MoMoments

When Comfort Becomes Confining

2018-09-03T13:37:00.003-07:00

Everyone should be familiar with the Peanuts character Charlie Brown, created by cartoonist Charles Schultz. Charlie Brown’s best friend was Linus. Linus carried around with him a security blanket. No matter where he went, the blanket went. It was Linus’ covering, his security, sometimes even his source of strength.

In a totally different genre, specifically music, many who are old enough to recall first hand and others who are connoisseurs of soul, recall The Godfather of Soul, James Brown and his infamous performances that often, if not always culminated with him walking across the stage to exit. You will also recall that while walking across stage he would be draped with a cape which theatrically slowed down his performance, if for a moment, because once he reached the end of one side of the stage, he would inevitably muster up new strength, fling off the cape and perform with greater energy and life, to a charged up crowd.

I have painted these two contrast pictures describing a form of covering to illustrate the tension I have been feeling, but have not be able to fully describe until recently. But, before I go there, allow me one more illustrative example.

This one is the fable of the boiling frog. The premise as stated in Wikipedia, is that if the frog is placed suddenly in a pot of boiling water, it will jump out. However, if the water is lukewarm when placed in the pot, it will not detect danger and remain in the water while it is slowly brought to boil which will eventually cook the frog. Wikipedia explains, “The story is often used as a metaphor for the inability or unwillingness of people to react to or be aware of sinister threats that arise gradually rather than suddenly.” Now, modern day biologist say that although the premise is true, a frog will eventually jump out when they feel the change in temperature. I would call it self preservation.

Okay, now we can get started. For a good while I have felt stuck - physically, emotionally, logistically, creatively, relationally, mentally, financially and spiritually. I have sought ways to describe, discard, dismiss, dismiss, distinguish, release, rebuke, reset, recharge, extract, explain, explore, express, pray, pry, plead, push out, press pass...I think you get it. It’s been frustrating to experience, and even more frustrating trying to express. Therapy has helped me explore each piece of my “stuckness”. Through my sessions, I have felt some level of release and new traction has occurred - a praise goes here! However, here I am still feeling residue from some, and the heavy adhesive from most areas of my life and a sister is over it. I am less then two years from 50, and I am declaring that my latter WILL be greater then my former days. And, that is a declaration because a lot of my former days were some amazing times...good, bad, crazy and ALL memorable. So, the latter must possess greater, better and complimentary to my now and next. This “stuckness” is stalling it.

Well, after a few recent conversations with some dear friends, who are deeply invested in their relationship with me and have a directline to God, I have been able to articulate through visualization what I have been experiencing and man has it been liberating. It has also given me a point, a place from which I can start to shimmy myself out of this “stuckness” and begin sashaying my way into life.

I have had a security blanket, my beautiful home, for over 12 years. When I moved and didn’t know anyone, I created, with intentionality a sancuturary for me. Once back from travel for work or while in town working, my home became my retreat, my safe place, my security blanket. However, like the frog placed in a lukewarm pot, the feeling of comfort from my surroundings began to confine and cook me - enter “stuckness”. It didn’t happen all at once. I mean, it has taken years, and various people who knew and know know me, to see and say it. But, yet, I couldn’t stop it. The comfort created a fear to explore. Which is CRAZY, because my passion to explore and leap taking before the net appeared is how I moved to a new city in the first place. My faith walking is how I quit my job over 14 years ago, with a new car note, a mortgage and no clients, to start my own public relations firm. Where is THAT Monica? My dear friend Michelle, who’s home with the Lord now, once walked in my house and before I could say hi, she was asking, “Where is Mo?”, “What have you done with my friend?” She was speaking about how I was dressed. According to her, I had lost my edge. My style was gone. I looked homily. She literally dragged me into my closet and ordered me to find something else to wear that she approved represented her Mo. I did.

Yes, where is Mo? The chick who had no fear of how the universe would respond to her next move. And, definitely didn’t get caught up wondering what folks thought or said about her. Like the frog, the pleasant place has gradually become uncomfortable. Just when it appears the performance, my passionate performance is nearing the end and my security blanket, turned heavy weight over my shoulders is ushering me towards stage left, I press pause and pray. And, then, just like James Brown, I rise up, throw off the heavy cape and race back to center stage, grab the mic and bellow out my next performance with greater passion, confidence, clarity, initentionality and energy.

The comfort season served a purpose. I failed to discern its expiration, which created a confining and confusing condition. But, God! I am finally able to articulate what I have been feeling and, as James Brown would say, “I feel good!”

Today's MoMoments: Patience and Faith

2014-12-11T12:12:00.004-08:00

Lately, I have been in a season of retreat, reflection and reposition. I don't know if it's due to the holiday season, the ending of another year, a remembrance of how I started off the year, my own personal and professional hang ups, or ALL the above.

What I do know is my spirit has paused and is processing. My tolerance, once stretched is now strained. My acceptance of any and everything has exited. In addition, my desires are increasing and my purpose is becoming more passion-driven.

Last night a dear mentor of mine asked me how well have I married my patience with my faith? And I said wow! I had no other reply. They went on to quote James 1:4, "But let patience have HER perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." (KJV)

They then said, with patience taking on the feminine role and faith the masculine role there needs to be a marriage of the two if this faith walk is to be fully experienced. They must be properly and proportionately married in order for there to be no lack. That stuck with me all last night and this morning. And, while writing out my thoughts, an a-ha moment or "MoMoment" if you will occurred. The lack presently in my life is in my faith to believe that what God said will be, will be. The other lack in my life is the patience to allow the time needed to take place in order for God's promises to come to pass.

This morning, after reading @JoelOsteen's devotional, "What are you considering?". Osteen spoke about Abraham and how, although the promise God gave him may have appeared impossible due to his age, he didn't focus on his current reality, but rather on a God that can do all things. That's when the truth became clear. My patience and faith is not equally yoked. They are in a state of conflict rather than compliment. They are causing confusion instead of clarity. They are making me feel unease instead of contentment, calm, confidence and certainty.

Another mentor/spiritual mother asked me where is home? Meaning, where do I find peace, solace, joy, comfort, etc. I couldn't answer her. Knowing what she was asking me is part of what I've been retreating to find. Then she said, Jeremiah 29:11 is real. What I got from that is that I can find my home there, my contentment there, my peace there, my companion there, my joy there, my faith there.

So, whatever created the lack in my patience and faith is not important. For now I see them both with a new perspective and purpose. And I stand strong in saying that the desires of my heart both personally and professionally will be perfect and complete, in God's ordained time.

As for right now, I lack nothing because my patience and my faith have been rightly joined together. Let nothing come between them. Amen.

#JoinMe

Today's MoMoment's: Morning Jolt of Truth

2014-09-24T08:21:00.000-07:00

Late start but my spirit is still filled by revelations from a conversation last night and the confirming message by Bishop Jakes on, "The Giants are at the Gate" that I watched, late last night. It's the season for the weights to fall off, the weariness to be shaken up, the internal fullness of wanting to live the full truth, and the unashamed and overwhelming desire to take hold of the future. But, it can't happen by being passive, inconsistent, preoccupied with man's approval/affirmation and fearful. As my friend said last night, "it's not time to just put the turn signal on, it's time to make a sharp right, on two wheels confidently towards change and completion". Playtime must be over, because time is ticking and it can never be repeated. Yes, God does offer restoration. And that's what I'm praying for in the recognition of the time I've wasted standing in the shadow of so many things (professionally and personally). This is my morning jolt of truth and motivation. There's only one chance to unpack all that's inside of me and you. Let's go get it! Make a move forward Mo! #joinme

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I Am a Walking Bible

2014-08-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

You know today someone said or rather described me as being a "walking bible". I didn't know how to receive that. I instantly felt convicted because I know me (being transparent). I thought, wow, THEY don't know me. I was like, wow what pressure to place on me...I make and will make mistakes. We ALL do. So don't go and place me on some pedestal just to push me off the moment you find a flaw, is what I was thinking. But, then I paused and processed. I began to realize that although it might have been a possible compliment in their mind, they didn't understand what they were really saying. And, so yes, I actually am a walking bible. I, am all of the stories found in the bible of falling & forgiveness, sin & salvation, despair & deliverance, shamed & saved, judged & justified, defeated & delivered, excluded & embraced, victimized & valued, persecuted & promoted, ignored & influential, embarrassed & empowered, liar & liberator, cheater & compassionate, and most of all redeemed by the blood of the lamb. I had never ever heard someone describe me that way before and I had never ever thought of myself, my life, my path, my pains, my progress, my journey in such a way until today. It was actually an a-ha moment. And, one I am still processing as I share with you.

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Today's MoMoments: Reflection and Resolve

2014-07-25T09:14:00.001-07:00

Today is a time of reflection and resolve. I reflect on the messages, mistakes, memories and motivators of yesterday. I reflect on the conversations, conflict, compassion, consideration, choices and challenges experienced yesterday. I reflect on the loss, longing, laughter, love, lament and learnings embraced yesterday.

Now...I resolve to revisit yesterday long enough to reengage, reignite, reinsert, readjust, reinstitute, recharge, redirect, remind, restore, repeat, reject, respect, reassign, reassure and reinforce the areas that will directly impact my momentum. Today, I resolve to remain confidently centered on what is most important to my progression. Today, I resolve to operate in a #stateofM where my mind, mood and motion feels free to just be while embracing what is.

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Today's MoMoments: Season and Timing

2014-05-25T09:31:00.000-07:00

Today, the words season and timing are running through my spirit. This weekend stands as the unofficial start of the Summer season. Its a season normally where things bloom, blossom and bear fruit. This time of year is captured on our calendar, the Gregorian Calendar or Civil Calendar (Months/Number of Days).

This calendar helps us stay on a corporate schedule, which is important. However, it is not the only calendar that tends to get our focus or where we create our schedule (both personal and professional). Many, if not most, also pay attention to a calendar that has either been thrusted upon us by society or family standards or even by our personal timeline or a plain spirit of comparison/competition. You know that calendar, it gives the unofficial timing for when you should be married; when you should have children; when you should start or complete that degree (high school, college or advanced); when you should get the first job; when you should retire; and I could go on. I have no clue of the origin of this type of calendar, but I know its roots run deep and its impact/influence both good and bad are always present. And, unlike the Gregorian Calendar, where the months and days will never change or have an impact, except for that one additional day that comes around to sync up our seasonal year (called Leap Year), this calendar comes with some unrealistic pressures, expectations and a whole lot of self-defined/created judgement. Let me make it plainer, "I am 30 and I thought by now I would have been married like my girlfriends" or, "I had to start working right after high school to support my mother and now I'm 45, its too late to go to college" or, "Isn't 60 too old to start a business? I should be planning for retirement." Again, I could go on.

The question I pose both to myself and society is, who made us timekeeper? Why has such a calendar become so important, that we find ourselves sometimes passing judgement, feeling disdain, giving pity, having envy or struggling with jealousy? God shares, throughout the Bible, where men and women accomplished much in various seasons of their lives. A nation was birthed through Abraham and Sarah who became parents way after "child-bearing" years. David was able to kill Goliath as a teenage boy when grown men failed to do so. The woman at the well became an evangelist after having committed adultery and having a questionable past. And, again, I could go on. Their seasons were not dictated upon an astronomical calendar. The timing of their great moment or fulfilled purpose and promises didn't occur based on when man or even themselves believed it should happen.

Both season and time was determined by God and for God's purpose and plan, not just for them in that moment but for the world in moments yet to come. So, I challenge each of us to pay attention to the month and date solely for corporate order, but don't focus on it or the one man tries to hold us to with the same respect. You know, that calendar that seeks to determine where we should be in life, what we should be doing with our lives, how far we should have gone in our lives, or any other man-made or self-made pressures, expectations and judgements. God has a special season in each of our lives and His timing is never unofficial or needing an extra day to sync up. It's always officially on time and syncs up for the right season and reason.

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Today's MoMoments

2014-03-25T18:22:00.001-07:00

When your current reality conflicts with your promised future, what do you do? Pray for patience, peace and perseverance. Although nothing in your present is showing that what you know to be promised in your future will be, don't allow it to persuade you to panic or jump the path. It ain't easy. But nothing that God is preparing you for is minor in impact or influence, so He must instill in you much so you are able to fully embrace and enjoy your new season. Weeping may be happening now, but joy is around the corner. Hold on. It's not the time to give up. Pray pass your pain. Push pass the fear of not seeing a change and put into practice all you know God is currently using to prepare you. Put into practice your faith walk, talk and action. Put into practice some #portioncontrol of how much you will allow people, places and projects to negatively impact your positive and progressive process and path. Put into practice the mind, mood and motion that is needed to handle the new season and level God has purposed for you. Start today and don't turn back...the best is still to come.

#TodaysMoMoments

Voice Blog

Today...

2014-01-07T09:32:00.000-08:00

Mini-MoMoment Mints to chew on

2014-01-07T09:29:00.000-08:00

Transformation begins with a thought but lives through action

2014-01-07T09:18:00.003-08:00

Confront Yourself

2013-06-18T06:06:00.001-07:00

I have experienced a few confusing moments over the past few weeks, I mean straight out of left field stuff. All I have been able to do is look up and ask God for clarity and strength to not confront and create a worse situation. I keep asking, "What just happened?" and "Why did it happen?" I keep wondering, "What role did I play in it happening?" "What lesson am I to learn from it?" "Is it my fault?" "What happens now?"

God's clarity and calmness is really needed because I desire to confront, check and correct. God has not given me permission to confront, instead he has said to me, be still, slow to speak and in place of seeking to confront another, confront yourself. What?

To make sure we are walking in right relationship with God, we must take time daily to confront ourselves. We dare not begin to confront another if we fail to self-check. Its in confronting ourselves we begin to change our perspective and the motivation in wanting to confront another person shifts from a negative to a positive.

Confrontation by definition is viewed as a negative action. Normally, when you “confront” someone, you instantly place the other person on defense which in turn creates a negative or uncomfortable exchange. However, confrontation in itself is not a negative or bad thing...it’s just how it is used or should I say abused that makes it seem bad. Confrontation can be good and necessary. When one confronts, one is looking to illuminate a subject, concern or issue, often with the desire to rebuke, reveal or reconcile. It’s through confrontation truth is recognized.

Many don’t realize it, but, Jesus was confrontational. Think about it, in correcting the naysayers and instructing others, Jesus often used strong language and tone to rebuke, reveal and restore.

“Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” Matthew 16:23 NIV

Here Jesus is rebuking Satan in response to Peter’s refusal to accept Jesus’ predicting His death.

In the story of Jesus healing a crippled woman on the Sabbath, Jesus was confrontational when he responded to the synagogue leader’s objection to His healing. “The Lord answered him, ‘You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?’” Luke 13: 15-16 NIV

Jesus confronted, revealing inconsistency in religious practices.

“For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison...” 1 Peter 3:18-19 NIV

Jesus being crucified and defeating death is the greatest confrontation reconciling us with God, taking the sting out of death and giving us the opportunity to have eternal life through Jesus.

Today, God confronts us in how we are living, thinking and believing; reminding us through His word that we cannot live like the world if we say we are living for Him. “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:15-17 NIV

So, what in your life needs confronting today?

Walk in faith. Live in love.

What Vitamin Cs Are You Taking?

2013-06-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

As most of us do this, we tend to check the clock and see if life's time is in compliment or conflict with our personal time. Or worse, we compare it to someone else's time and try to compete. Well, the devil is a liar. We all have our own race to run. Your race and my race are totally different. I celebrate how far you have come, what you have accomplished, obtained, received, and taken on. God bless you. However, God's words and plan for my life are separate and selective for me, and will not mirror yours, as yours should not mirror mine. Even if it's God's plan for our roads to cross for His purpose and our good, the steps leading up to the cross over are specially made for our respective feet to fit in. 

What I have noticed over the past few years is how much time/energy folks spend on chasing, competing and comparing rather than concentrating, complimenting and cutting out.

They are chasing their neighbor to either catch up or stay ahead of, in their unofficial, one-sided race for professional and/or personal gain and attention, i.e. "They did this and got this, so let me do this too", even if its not part of God's plan for them at the time or ever. They are competing with coworkers, colleagues, family members or friends for position, visibility, opportunity or status. Not everyone is purposed to have center stage status. And, center stage status doesn't equal success nor is the opposite true as well. We all have a stage to stand on. They are comparing their life accomplishments or "lack" to their neighbors which fuels the competing chase. Be careful what you believe you want.  Why not concentrate on what, where, why, how and when God opens doors of opportunity and speaks direction and decisions specially fitted for your journey and purpose?

Your focus or lack of focus on what is in front of you impacts more than just you. Why not look to compliment on your journey (expertise, passion or purpose) with another? Again, you are connected to a greater purpose that impacts others. Why not take your specialized self and cut out a niche where your full purpose can impact, influence and inspire? This might mean leaving the land of familiar and comfort. Lastly, why not take the personal clock you have set and crush it? God's timing is perfect....there is no rush for him, so there shouldn't be for us. He restores time where needed and adds missed moments where beneficial.  As folks say, "life is not a sprint, but a marathon". However, society has influenced us to believe we must have all things now and do it now or we are not successful and will not be respected or accepted. Again, the devil is a liar.

My life will not look like yours. And, I am okay with that. I have a calling and purpose that I was designed to fulfill. I seek to walk out my path proudly....at 43, what society and folks say I should have or where I should be in life, isn't what matters. What I have finally come to embrace is what God has told me in his word and through the Holy Spirit, that in due season, I shall reap, if I faint not (Galatians 6:9). His word activates my faith. And, it should activate yours. Focus on your path and allow God to influence your next step.

Walk in faith. Live in love.

Post was inspired by @RickWarren "Daily Hope" titled, "Faith is God's Word Activated"

http://purposedriven.com/blogs/dailyhope/index.html?contentid=12939

Today's Blog Post: Growth Plan

2013-05-06T05:56:00.004-07:00

Having just celebrated my 43rd birthday (May 4), I have only this to share, you are never too old to grow up. As long as you are walking the face of the earth, God has a plan for you. I know this to be true. It always happens that once I have reached my development in one area or stage, new growing pains begin to kick in and a new area is revealed where growth and development and transformation is to take place. Over the past year this has included me returning to school; something I vowed never to do. I don't like school, never have. But, over the past year or more God made it impossible to ignore the growing pain/nudge and now I am about to enter my third term at Duke Divinity. The growing pains continue.

This period in my life is both exciting and nerve-wrecking. I get excited because, as I am reminded, preparation always precedes promotion. The preparation process always includes deep self-reflection, the extracting or the adding-on of people, places and things, the battles within the mind (tricks of the adversary), having new perspectives, desires, new passions are uncovered, etc. I also begin to lean harder on the word - Jeremiah 29:11 will kick in and, so will Proverbs 3:5-6, as well as Matthews 6:33. Words of encouragement I get from people as well as the opening of doors to new opportunity, the closing of other doors and new access, also become evident during this preparation period.

So, what about you? Do you see an area of growth sprouting up in your life? What does it look like? What are you learning about yourself, about your future, about your relationship or lack there of with God within the new growth? You do realize that the good, bad and ugly that is your life, is actually part of the plan for your growth. It is all there to agitate us, sift us, strengthen us, empower us, educate us, liberate us, inspire us and motivate us to lean forward in faith and press forth into our next.

We are never to be at a place where we feel we have reached “that” level and now we can chill; not if God blesses you with another day of living. You should always find another thing to appreciate, to conquer, to accomplish, to value, to give, to assist in, to just do in life. Tomorrow is not promised…it is truly a blessing to be alive, with relative good health, abilities of limbs, in our right mind, with family, friends, resources, etc. So, don’t take it for granted.

Look at where you are and ask God why? What am I to be learning at this stage of my life? What is it you want me to do above and beyond just going to work, providing for my family and living for myself? If I am not living out my divine purpose, reveal it to me. If I have gotten off course, nudge me back on track.

With each new day, we gain an opportunity to draw closer to God, however, we also loose a day in our life span. Yes, God can do much with little. We just don't want to miss the opportunity to be fully used by him. Be sensitive to the signs and don't delay to act. In action we show our obedience to God and our readiness to grow.

Today, I stop and give thanks to God for allowing me to see another year. I also, pause to hear from Him and get a clearer understanding of what my next Growth Plan is to be. It is time to be intentional about the future and not just continue living day-by-day. That is such a waste and leaves no lasting impact or legacy for anyone. Each of us has a special assignment that can only be fulfilled by us. Our call, the look/feel of it is unique to our backstory, personality and purpose-filled passion. Lives are attached to our call...lets be intentional in walking out what God has placed in us.

I am committed to seek God and am getting excited to hear from Him. #joinme

Walk in faith. Live in love.

Portions originally written on May 4, 2011.

My Treasure Chest

2013-05-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

My #treasurechest is a collection filled of valuable nuggets of wisdom, lessons learned, portraits, examples, desires, dreams, prayers, promises and purposes. Before there were vision boards, young girls had treasure chests packed with all things connected to their "dream" wedding. At age 42 and 362 days young, the reality is that dreams often turn into nightmares. The older one gets, the more emphasis one places on a discerning passion vs. "dreams". So I value the nuggets of wisdom from failed and fruitful relationships, lessons learned both from first person accounts and from observing others, portraits of what I hope to be and to receive in a marriage-based relationship, examples of how to live, love, laugh and cry, my hidden/matured God designed desires, dreams, prayers, promises and purposes. Many lessons have been learned from watching while waiting. I continue to do so with great anticipation for the day when the wait becomes the time to put into practice what I got from watching. (Mini #MoMoments)

I've Fallen...Can I Get Back Up? (Today's Post)

2013-04-05T05:30:00.000-07:00

Many remember the commercial where the elderly woman says, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” That commercial was promoting a safety device that persons of a certain age or who had physical limitations could wear to ensure their security and independence. The commercial shows how when the woman uses the device to alert the call center that she has in fact fallen and is unable to get up, an emergency team is dispatched and quickly comes to her aid and assistance. She is eventually okay and able to return to her independent and self-sufficient reality.

Not unlike that commercial, God has provided those who profess to know Him and confess their sins to Him, a similar aid of assistance by way of Jesus Christ. Paul shares in Roman 7:21-24 (MSG), “It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that my real question?”

However, in verse 25 we find our life line, our “device” that alerts our “call center” that we need help. “The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to something totally different.”

The way to activate the device, is by confessing our sins to the Lord, as 1 John 1: 9 (NIV) states, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

The point is, we all have and will fall, time after time after time. God knew this the minute sin entered the world through the actions of Adam and Eve. Oh, but the glory and praise break is that when God gave us His son Jesus Christ who lived, died and rose for all of our sins, He supplied us with our own “device” with clear instructions (the Bible) of how we can get up from our fallen state and continue to walk and live not independent of Him, but rather dependent of Him. It is by releasing our independence to Jesus that we are free to live a life of pure joy and peace. Separate from Jesus, we are prisoners to our sins and will live a life without joy or peace.

All we have to do when we fall is confess and surrender. Jesus will act and set things right and help us get up and walk forward in faith.

Walk in faith. Live in love. #joinme

(Originally written by Monica Wood aka MoWood 8-4-11)

Today's Post: Your Growth Plan Comes with Growing Pains

2013-03-27T05:54:00.002-07:00

As long as you are walking the face of the earth, God has a plan for you. I know this to be true. Once I have reached my development of growth in an area, I notice that a new area begins to reveal itself and the focus becomes more intense there.

Those periods in my life are both exciting and nerve-wrecking. I get excited because preparation always precedes promotion. The preparation process always includes deep self-reflection, extraction or addition of people, places and things, battling of mind tricks, having new perspectives, etc. And, I begin to lean harder on the word; Jeremiah 29:11 will kick in and, so will Proverbs 3:5-6, as well as Matthews 6:33. Words of encouragement I get from folks and the opening of doors to new opportunities and access become evident...all during the preparation.

So, what about you? Do you see a growth plan being developed in your life…even if you haven’t consciously formed one yourself, have you felt the growing pains? What area of your life do you think it is illuminating? What are you learning about yourself, about your future, about your relationship or lack there of with God? You do realize that the good, bad and the not so cute that is your life, is actually all part of your growth plan. Each phase/stage of life produces new growing pains, producing a new growth plan. We are never to be at a place where we feel we have reached “that” level and now we can chill. Not if God blesses you with another day of living. You should always find another thing to appreciate, to conquer, to accomplish, to value, to give, to assist in, to just do in life. Tomorrow is not promised…it is truly a blessing to be alive, with relative good health, abilities of limbs, in our right mind, family, friends, resources, etc. So, don’t take it for granted.

Look at where you are and ask God why? What am I to be learning at this stage, in this phase of my life? What is it you want me to do above and beyond just going to work, providing for my family and living for myself? What needs to be changed?

Today, I stop and give thanks to God for allowing me to see another day. I also, pause to hear from Him and get an understanding of what my Growth Plan is to be moving forward. It is time to be intentional about our future and not just continue living day-by-day. That is such a waste and leaves no lasting impact or legacy for anyone….including yourself. Seek God and get excited to hear from Him. #joinme

Walk in faith. Live in love.

Today's Post: Seeing What is to Come

2013-03-25T05:02:00.000-07:00

The LORD God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many more as ye are, and bless you, as he hath promised you! Deuteronomy 1:11

Can you even imagine that God has blessings for you that you have not even thought of? Or, that the blessings He has specifically for you, are larger in scope and influence and significance than you prayed for? It is time to super-size your dreams, desires and destiny. Open your eyes, ears and mind to expect greater than you do today from God. Elevate your thinking of what God can do in your life. Elevate your belief that God can do what seems impossible. Elevate your trust that God will do exceedingly, abundantly, above all you could ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Elevate your faith to confidently know that God can and will...period.

Take God out of your box of limitation and comfort and allow Him to do the great work He desires to do in your life. Look beyond today’s situation and see life as a victorious one that doesn’t end when we leave this place, but only gets better when we enter the gates of heaven. Can you see it? Connect your desires to God’s will…get in agreement with Him today. If you are not…pray for clarity and strength to readjust your thinking.

What is preventing you from seeing past your situation? What is stopping you from seeing victory in your life? What is causing you to delay your own breakthrough into a life of full faith?

I have been faced with each of these questions. I have been slaying every demonic spirit that is standing behind them...killing their power and welcoming God to enter and occupy those areas in my mind and spirit. For I am EXPECTING great things from God. I am claiming that this IS my time for so much! God’s promises ARE going to come to pass...and, in the meantime, I will continue to walk in victory and celebrate what is to come.

My season of preparation...a LONG one to me…is almost over, I feel it in my spirit. I can see the ending of the tug of war, the breaking, the prodding, the mending, the molding, the sifting, the shifting, the pain, the testing, the delays, the setbacks, the self-reflection, the scares, the doubt, the fear, the disappointments, the frustrations, the rebirth, the revelations, the clarification, the loss, the gain, the lack, the hunger, the silence, the aloneness, etc. I see it and I say it. I speak victory versus defeat. God is not allowing all this to happen to me not to have it be for my good. I am refocusing my energy away from what I am experiencing and seeing and solely on what He has promised.

I can see, through the Holy Spirit what Great things are to come from this process of preparation God has had me going through. And, soon I will be able to say that it was ALL worth it!

“Then sings my soul, my savior God to thee. How great thou art. How great thou art. Then sings my soul, my savior God to thee. How great thou art….How great thou art!”

He is great…allow Him to be Great in your life and to do Great things in your life.

Walk in faith. Live in love.

Today's MoMoments Blog: CHANGE

2013-03-22T05:58:00.003-07:00

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens...” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV

Seasons change. People change. Feelings change. Life is full of changes both good and bad. Good change is maybe a new job, getting promoted, finishing a degree, getting married, having a child. Bad change could be loosing a job, ending a marriage or friendship, having to downsize your lifestyle, loosing a loved one.

What’s important to remember is that through it all, the good and the bad, God is with us and He never changes. Just like He created four seasons (Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall) with a purpose in mind, He creates the seasons of our lives with that much intention. Everyone/thing is not suppose to have a front row seat in our life forever. As the saying goes, some folks are brought into your life, for a reason, a season or a lifetime. It is important for us to determine which category people, passions and purposes fall in and act accordingly.

We are not here existing just to do the same thing day in and day out with the same folks forever. We aren’t to feel the same way about everyone and everything forever. If we remain the same, doing the same, with the same people, we are not evolving into the person we are destined to become and neither are they.

Yes, this also applies to the role we play in other people’s lives. We are not meant to be in everyone’s life the same way we are right now. This is a harder pill to swallow than the former but, it is just as important and necessary. No matter what side of the coin you find yourself, the intention is still the same, change creates growth, new beginnings, revelations, healing, rebirth, elevation, learning, new opportunities, continued purpose.

As you come to the end of a season in your life or when it comes, take stock of all you’ve experienced, good and bad. Locate the lessons. Pick out the purpose. Identify the intention. Reminisce on the revelation. Hold on to the healing. Concentrate on the continued purpose. Get ready for the growth. And, most importantly THANK GOD for never changing (Hebrews 13:8) and for being with you through it all.

Walk in faith. Live in love.

Today's Post: Impress or Impact

2013-03-20T06:43:00.002-07:00

Why do you do what you do? Is your ultimate goal or reason to impress or impact? What causes you to want to throw back the covers each day? Who or what is pulling you forward? Are you working towards receiving that pat on the back, 15 minutes of shine, celebratory recognition, the opportunity to stick your chest out and march in front of your haters? Or, is the time your spend and energy exert in what you do because you desire to make an impact?

If you are truthful with yourself you would say it's both? The question is what has the highest percentage or influence? Where is your motivation coming from?

I pose these questions because so often what people say their why is, isn't always accurate. And, in time their actions begin to show their real motivation.

For me, I will admit there was a time I did what I did to impress. I wanted to impress my boss, who I knew couldn't use me. I wanted to show her up, impress her boss and my colleagues and win over our clients. I had impressive motives that were birthed out of fear of failure and from getting bit by the corporate bug of competition or the "every one for themselves" disease. It was so unhealthy and I knew it wasn't me. How? Because slowly but surely, I began to dislike my job, dreaded making the hour and 30 minute or more commute from Maryland to Northern Virginia and loss enthusiasm for the client's message and mission. So, after 2 years of resisting the revelation, I finally said, "its time to make an impact and I don't care who I impress." In quitting my job, what I failed to realize is that in those final years there I had actually made an impact. Clients expressed how I was consistent, respectful, flexible and capable and they had much confidence in me. They learned a lot from how I managed the highs and lows and appreciated the hard work. Wow, here I was trying to impress, but I actually made an impact.

Well, fast forward 9 years and I am at this proverbial fork in the road again. As a business owner, you have to admit you work hard to impress folks. You want the respect as CEO, you want the recognition for a success, and you always are looking to impress that next new client. The motivating factor is, and with some truth income (need to eat) and respect (need to feed the ego). But, again the desire to impress has been lessening for over 2 years now, and the desire to impact is increasing ever so greatly with each new day. Each time another young person is killed, misunderstood, abused, labeled for life because of a mistake, taken advantage of, ignored and discarded, goes missing, the desire to impact overpowers the desire to impress more and more.

This desire to impact is filtering into my professional doings too. The antenna is peaked to spot out those who are looking to impress or impact. This filter is also influencing what projects I desire to pick up no matter the financial influence it could have. Bottom-line I am seeing there is more to life and more to give life than impressing those who don't really care and will move on like the wind. Now, don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with being ambitious, goal-oriented and focused. Many are walking out their destiny. I applaud them and far from judging. I am just sharing (full transparency) the nudge in me, in case you have been feeling something similar.

You know and I know where this is all coming from. When I felt the shift over 9 years ago, I had grown stronger in my faith walk and became more active in my church. Serving God and allowing Him to speak to me through reading His word created a deeper level of discernment and focus. So, this impress vs. impact is not new. And, the funny thing is, it will happen again. As you and I grow in our relationship with God through serving, giving and loving it is bound to impact our filter and clean our lens. We will be able to see who's coming at us with more clarity - someone looking to impress or impact. But, don't forget to flip it, we will also be able to look at ourself and be able to determine if we see someone looking to impress or impact.

Which one are you today? Aim to make an impact that doesn't impress man, but rather pleases God. #joinme

Walk in faith. Live in love.

God's Promise vs. Our Reality

2013-03-17T05:34:00.000-07:00

I always say, “God whispers and He roars”. Well, He has been definitely roaring at me as of late. Through dreams, sermons, devotionals, conversations and life experiences, God has been telling me one thing...“I am in control.” "So, what if my promise doesn’t match your reality? Or even worse, your reality is the extreme opposite of what I have promised your future will be, 'I am in control.'” Many of us, definitely me, tend to get caught up right there, in the “God’s promise vs. Our reality” battle.

God’s Promise: A promising future.

Our Reality: A struggling present.

God’s Promise: A family.

Our Reality: Single and no prospects.

God’s Promise: Positively impacting the world.

Our Reality: More closed doors than opened.

God’s Promise: Good health and long life.

Our Reality: Health challenges.

So, how do you continue to walk forward in God’s promise, while your present is yanking you backwards, spinning you sideways, tripping you, causing you to pass out and wanting to give up? Good question. Here’s the answer...

Faith. No more. No less.

Now, you can’t just have faith, you must put your faith into action. Walking out our faith is the only way we can become an active participant in God’s plan. If we decide that because our uncertain present doesn’t match up with God’s promising future, we are going to not move forward in faith, we are telling God we give up. If we are not an active participant in walking out God’s plan we are telling God, I am not the person you thought I was or the person you desire us to be. We are saying to God that He can’t trust us with this task. I am not strong enough or bold enough...I flat out don’t trust you in this situation God.

However, what God wants us to do is to say, yes, I am not strong enough or bold enough to do this...WITHOUT you in it God. I flat out trust you over myself and man. My strength is only found in trusting you God. My boldness can only be developed in believing in you God. Even though it doesn’t match up with my right now, I actively participate in your plan because I have surrendered all I am so you can lead me to my promising future. In doing so, God gets the victory.

Walk in faith. Live in love.

2013-03-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

To be a blessing or provide a lesson, your presence is God-designed. Embrace your role and be responsible with the assignment. #MoMoments

Latest Blog: It's Not Flesh, Its Spiritual

2013-03-11T05:26:00.004-07:00

2 Corinthians 10: 3-6 “ ³For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: ⁴(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) ⁵Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; ⁶And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”

I believe the above scripture needs to be embraced before you begin this day. I say this because we must overcome the internal battle that comes from us having allowed spirits, not of God, to take hold of us and distort our spiritual vision. The spirits of defeat, self-destruction, low self-esteem, comparison, complacency, anger, fear, ego, elitisms, our past, negativity or pessimism, anything and everything (strongholds) contradictory to the word and promise of God is there to cloud our spiritual vision and spirit. When our vision is cloudy we are not allowed to see God’s work and feel His presence while we are in the midst of going through what He has us going through. ALL things…ALL things, work together and serve to accomplish God’s will and purpose for our lives. Receive that and move forward.

However, if you can’t, than you must read 2 Corinthians 10: 3-6 until it takes root in your spirit. So when the moment any thought that contradicts God’s word hits your spirit you are able to count to three….One….Two…Three…and dismiss it from your spirit.

We must remember that this is a spiritual warfare we fight….so stop focusing on man (flesh) and focus on the real enemy that uses man to do its work. Don’t allow those destructive and negative and EVIL thoughts to continue to grow roots in your mind and spirit. Cut them off before they have time to borough in your spirit and mind and cause you to act out of order and pull you away from the will of God.

Once you really know what you are up against, you will be able to bring the right tools to conquer the battle. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Stand strong and allow God’s purpose to work through you.

Live PROactively today! #joinme

Walk in faith. Live in love.

Lectio Divina

2013-03-07T21:00:00.001-08:00

We often focus our attention more on our horizontal relationships rather than our vertical. Why? God's word is there for us to read and feel His presence. He desires a relationship with us that is sustaining and unconditional. Today, I encourage you to practice Lectio Divina and allow God's word and presence to become the main source of your needs and hope.

Some scriptures of encouragement:

Proverbs 18:10

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 16:33

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. "Selah"
2 Timothy 1:7

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Psalm 16:8
I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 55:22

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall
1 Peter 5:7

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Isaiah 26:3

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Psalm 118:14-16

The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: "The LORD's right hand has done mighty things! The LORD's right hand is lifted high; the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!"
Psalm 119:114-115

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!
Psalm 119:25

I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word.
Psalm 119:50

My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
Psalm 119:71

It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.
Psalm 120:1

I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me.

Latest Blog: Worshipping God Through Giving

2013-03-06T05:42:00.001-08:00

Folks use to joke me for the amount of time I use to spend at church in Baltimore and recently I have received comments on how much time I seem to dedicate to my church here in Charlotte. I enjoy the time I spend around like-minded folks and just feel good giving back by way of my time, talent and treasures. My personal and professional life are a priority for sure. However, I know God has that under control….all my desires, wants and needs only God can/will bring to pass….in due season. So, in the meantime, I turn my attention to serving Him in different ways, inside/outside the church.

In giving of my time (service in ministry at church), treasure (a tenth of my pay to church) and talent (expertise to church), I have allowed room in my life for God to fill my life with an abundant overflow of blessings. They may not be what I desire all the time or even what others deem much, but they are definitely what I need and always right on time.

We are a blessed people, if you don’t think so go visit your local shelter or watch the news and CNN and see the devastation throughout the world. We ARE a blessed people. And, with that we must worship God not just with songs of praise but with giving back to God. Our acts of service and giving are also a form of praise and thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). I encourage you to try it, you will not regret it.

Now, you may go to church and that is great but, are you actively involved? Do you tithe along with giving an offering? Do you offer your skills/talents for a special project in an area that the church may be in need?

For me being able to not just survive, but thrive these nine years on my own…with no other income…let me say that again…NO OTHER income…has been possible because I have given God my time, talent and treasure. Not always easy, but always necessary. Now (transparent moment), in the beginning I felt that my time and talent was strictly to go to my company. My thinking was, it needed to in order for me to have the tithe to give back to God. With that thinking (fear) came times when my company suffered financially. But, when those moments of fear were replaced by faith and I gave my time, talent and treasure with intentionality and cheerfully, God provided and still provides. God has shown He is Jehovah Jireh either thru a client finally paying me, an old client returning, a new client coming on board, a friend saying that God placed me on their heart to give some money or to pray for you, a supportive parent stepped in, an undiscovered resource (a ram in the bush). I want for nothing.

Now, don’t get it twisted, this continues to be a faith walk. As I give my time, talent and treasure, I stand aside and place my trust in God to provide an overflow. My saucer is ready to handle what the cup can’t hold...however it comes! (Malachi 3:10)

Walk in faith. Live in love. #joinme

Latest Blog: Failed My Fast

2013-03-05T07:04:00.002-08:00

Each Lenten season folks commit to giving something up as an act of sacrifice to God. This sacrifice serves to symbolize the sacrifice Jesus made on Good Friday by dying on the cross for our sins. Many commit to giving up such things as soft drinks, candy, desserts, french fries, meat, TV, social media, alcoholic beverages, cursing, etc. All mainly external acts that for the most part are manageable (I speak from experience.). However, to be honest, I really have never seen how this impacts us from a spiritual development. We are good a letting something, but oftentimes, we never seem to pick something up like, more time spent reading the bible, praying to God, serving others, spending quality time with family, personal enrichment, etc.

This Lenten season I decided that what I needed to sacrifice from needed to have a direct connection to strengthening my spiritual development and personal relationship with God - my focus needed to be less on giving up a food or drink, and more on an attitude - my attitude as it pertains to how I perceive, receive and act within various times of uncertainty, unknowns, and pain. I have struggled to break the spirit of fear and anxiety that to be honest has been passed on to me generationally. As strong as I am, I am just as fearful. This polar attitude within my faith walk is contradictory and confusing. So, I vowed to commit to be more intentional in how I respond to negative, unfair or uncertain scenarios that life offers with more faith and less fear and doubt.

Well (my transparent moment), over the past two weeks, I have failed. I started having doubt in a situation, self-doubt in my ability, worry about an outcome, depressive feelings because of a bad experience, negative words and thoughts because of an argument. Yep, I failed.

But, thanks be to God! I am so grateful to God that He didn't leave me in that space. Between the message I received from Joel Osteen's (@JoelOsteen) sermon on Sunday, the Sunday sermon preached at my church by Rev. Jazz (@iamdrjazz) and Joyce Meyer's (@JoyceMeyer) message Monday morning, "Overcoming Fear and Doubt" that I watched throughout the entire day/evening to keep me focused, I am back on track!

I am recommitted to pray with more boldness, proclaim/praise God with more consistency, and push out feelings and thoughts that conflict with God's promise the second it enters my spirit.

Quick Testimony: Questions I had for God through prayer last night were answered this morning. That alone shows me God is taking me through a process and hasn't left me just because I failed my fast. My fast continues and I am more determined to stay focused on God, believe his promise and will "doubt my doubt" as Joyce says. Doubt serves to confuse, faith serves to clarify. This Lenten season is more personal than ever before. God is breaking, building and preparing me and you for a liberating and victorious new life in Christ and for the world.

So today I strive to stay focused. #joinme