A Prayer for You and I

Father in the name of Jesus, I come before You today giving You praise and thanking You for being my God. For Your help, protection, blessing, mercy and grace.  Without You I am nothing and I thank You for never leaving or forsaking me.  Lord I ask that You forgive sin and iniquity in my life, known and unknown.  I ask that You bless the people that come across this post, that You help them in the way they need help. Only You know what we all truly need and I submit my will to Your will right now.

Lord help us all to know You better, to quiet the voices that tell us no, that say we won't be anything, that speak against our purpose, teach us to war in the spirit instead of the flesh.  Teach us to speak life into our situations and to shun evil.  Above all draw us closer to You, let us have the like mindset of Christ, let us love what You love, and hate what You hate.  Let us be anxious for nothing, but by all things in prayer let our request be made known unto You.  In your mighty Son Jesus Name, Thank you Father, -Amen.

The God of the Do-Overs

Are you in need of a do-over?

How about a do-over of the do-over???

Well thank goodness we have an advocate with the Father that knows we not gonna get it right 100% of the time.  He knows we won't get it right not even 75% of the time. So our Father, the God that loves us as His own, gives us renewed mercies and a second chance.  Sometimes a third, and fourth chance too!


I found myself in need of a do-over and to be honest it wasn't my first. The enemy tried to make me feel bad, like a failure, like God would be too disappointed in me to help me.  But Satan is a liar, the bible calls him the father of lies. The God that we serve is faithful.  He knows that we won't get it right all the times, its one of the reasons we get a new mercy every morning (Lamentations 3:23).  I have to admit I let the devil talk for a while, so much so that I started to feel physically sick.  Then I was reminded of Ephesians 6, where it tells us to take on the whole armor of God.  Our Father has given us provisions to help protect us from the lies and darts of the enemy, we have to use them.

When life starts screaming at you, we have to learn not to scream back, but to take the authority we have in Jesus and make it sit down and get it together.  If you need a second chance to do it right, take it.  God didn't renew mercy in the morning for nothing.  He is not the out of luck God.  He is not the too bad, so sad God.  And he's definitely not the too little too late God.  He is Merciful, Compassionate, our Helper!  He is the abundance God.  Everything about Him is abundance and all that are in Him enjoy abundance.  So I encourage you to take your inheritance.  Live the life God has planned for you, and if you loose your way remember there is no condemnation in Christ.  All you have to do is repent, ask for forgiveness (1 John 1:9) and that grace and mercy is sure to come your way.

God Bless U 

Work your Negative into a Postive

In this everyday life we are surrounded by circumstances and issues.  So how do we keep a good attitude, a right mind, and a joyous spirit???  It's about your attitude.  Before you ever go through something you need to figure out what your approach will be to get through it. 

I used to be a super negative person.  Not because I wanted to be, but it was a predisposition to my own life circumstances.  As a result of previous experiences, I always looked for the bad.  Even when I was on "Great Street"  I continually looks for "Terrible Alley".  In my mind, nothing good could last for long, especially not to me. 

As I have gotten more familiar with God and His word, He started showing me my own behavior for what it was.  Negativity, with no Hope. 

Being negative is a tool the enemy gives us to keep us down.  To keep us from living our purpose, and most importantly to keep us from living the life God desires for us to live with hope of goodness and abundant life.  Notice I said the enemy gives it to us.  Once we accept the negativity there is no need to hang around because it's solely at our discretion whether we carry it with us or discard it immediately.  There is a spirit of self doubt, low self esteem, and anger that can come with negativity.  So we have to be fully prepared to deal with it and not let it linger.

Notice I did not write "turn" your negative into a positive.  From experience I know that it's not that easy.  I know that retraining your thought process is hard work.  I know that you have to work everyday not to let negativity creep in. I today, still work extra hard to remain positive in tough times, and not to allow myself to fall down the rabbit hole of negative thoughts.  If you were like me, sometimes I wasn't happy until I shared my negative thoughts. I would be at work and something would change in procedure, and it was my greatest joy to get with my coworkers and complain, then call my mom and complain, then get home to my husband and complain some more.  But, where did it get me???  I was the only one feeling like crap, and of course the people that allowed me to come dump my madness on to them felt bad too. 

As I started living out God's word and drawing closed to Him, I realized just how like people attract each other.  I was ready to live in the promises of God, but those around me had set up residence in Terrible Alley.  It made me realize what a deficit I was when I was like that.  So I started taking baby steps, the negativity did not just go away, I had to work the bad into good.

Reciting scripture is powerful.  Even if you don't get it all the way.  Even if you are not feeling it.  Speak that scripture into the atmosphere and you will feel a chance.  Then I started writing down my negative thoughts as they occurred.  When I wrote them down I would then think of an alternative to combat it. Once I did that, I would actively and symbolically throw them away.  Yes, there were times I had a trash can full by the middle of the day.  What that help me do is not to internalize what I was feeling.  Most importantly when the negative would come and get in the way, and I could not scripture it away, nor write it away, I would pray.  I would pray until I felt better.  I would tell and still do say to God over and over again, "this is not how I want to think, please give me the mind of Christ.  It was not, and has not been easy, but it works.  I find myself on the positive side of things now.  I don't look for the bad, I expect the good.  Why, because scripture tells me that "all things work for the good of those that love God" (Rom 8:28).  And I do love Him, with all my heart I love Him.

Pray to God, tell Him you love Him and that  you want to change your mindset, that you are in need of a renewed mind.  Purpose within yourself that you will work your negative into a positive with the strength of God on your side and go ahead and walk it out starting today.  I promise this change is for the better!

~God Bless U

Praise brings the Victory

Yes, there truly is! 

Praise can overcome a multitude of defeats.  When you are feeling down, tired, confused, or out of it, praise is what will get you through. We have to learn to give place to the joyous and prosperous things of the Kingdom.  God did not give us these tools for nothing.  He has provided a way of escape for us, we just have to be wise enough to take it.  

 

Don't think your issue or situation is too insignificant to pull out the pig guns.  Nothing is to small for praise.  The bible says, "Let everything that has breath, praise ye the Lord"(Ps 150:6).  We would do well to add on and say, Let everything that has breath praise ye the Lord about everything"! 

 

We should praise God for waking up, for a bright new day, for the clothes we put on, for the car we drive, for limbs to walk, for the job, for the kids, for the hardships that come to make us stronger, for the finances, for keeping us from saying wrong things, for giving us the right words, for getting us to our destinations safely, for the friendly people we encounter throughout the day, for the peace at lunch time, for the workout He allowed you to partake in, for the bible study, for the pastor, for the church, for your siblings, for your parents, for divine thoughts, for amazing ideas, praise Him because He is present. 

 

 Do you get where I'm going with this?  I could have filled the page with reasons to praise God, but I would need a lot more pages. Notice I did not say praise Him for the siblings that treat you so good, or for the job that you love.  No, don't let your praise be contingent on how you feel or perceive something.  A situation can be going all wrong and you should praise.  Why???  Because praise brings the victory! 

 

I have been in some dire situations and things were not looking good. It wasn't until I begin to praise God because of who He is that things started to turn around.  I was able to conquer the unconquerable. There is victory in your praise.  I dare you to try God today.  Begin to apply praise to your life.  If you are home stop right there and just tell God thank you. Tell Him He's everything to you, more than you could ever hope for, more than you deserve and for that you are thankful.  If you are at work, go to the restroom or step outside and give God a praise. 

 

You can even praise Him in your silence.  God looks at the heart, the inward parts.  Even if your mouth can't move, just think praise and watch how God turns your life around.  Praise brings the victory. 

 

Oh taste and see that the Lord is good! (Ps 34.8) Shout unto God with the voice of triumph (Ps 47.1), great is the Lord and most worthy of praise (Ps 145:3)!          

 

~God Bless U                                 

Don't Despise the Battle

🎶 🎶" Jesus loves me this I know, for the bible tells me so,

Little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is Strong"🎶 🎶

 

 

 

This is the first song I sung in the choir when I was a kid.  I was so happy to do it.  I had watched my grandmother sing and direct the choir for many years and now I was getting my turn.  Look out Anna Mae Bullock, here I come!  Needless to say my moment came and I was so scared, I froze up.  The whole church was looking at me and I couldn't say a word.  My grandmother calmly walked up to me and said "what does the first few words say", I said those very words back to her and she looked me in my eye and told me "we can't do it on our own, we're not strong enough, but Jesus can". One of my grandmother's favorite saying was that we were soldiers on the battlefield for the Lord, so I knew exactly what she was getting at. I nodded, and she stepped back in place.  The music started again and I started to sing.  No, stop... What I really mean is I sang!!!  I was so glad my granny gave me an extra run, cause I worked that song out! Just don't ask me to do it now. lol  It's one of my fondest memories I have of her and I.   

 

As I think about that now, I realize that something rose up in me that day.  That it was not only those dutiful words of my Grandmother, but that it was the Holy Spirit, the very strength of God.  The very hand of God that comes to strengthen all of us to do His Will.  As my Grandmother said we are soldiers on the battlefield. What I found out is that a soldier that performs well in battles, comes to be known as a warrior in times of war. Their name goes out into the land and a mighty man/woman of valor.  They are considered blessed and favored in their land.  That sounds like something God would do for His children. So I want to encourage you today not to despise the battles in your life, they come to fashion you into what God has called you to be. 

 

 

Not only that, but there are some things in our lives that we need to slay and utterly destroy.  We also need to know who we are and the power of God in us.  Ephesians 6:10-11 says, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."   The Apostle Paul reminds us to wear our armour daily, so that we are not caught unprotected against the enemy and  so that we can take what is thrown at us.  We are warriors, so we must be disciplined and fierce as we go into battle.  Bad covenants are erased on the battlefield, possessions are taken back, homes are saved, and most importantly victories are won on the battlefield  Go with God, and conquer all that is yours!

 

 

~God Bless U

It's Worth It

IT IS WORTH IT!!!

 All that you are going through, the long days, the sleepless nights, the endless prayers, and the pressing.  It's all going to pay off.  Even the disappointments are designed for your good in the end. Just because things don't work out as you would like, does not mean it won't work out.  But according to God's Will it shall be so. Wherever you may find yourself, be encouraged, God is on your side!

Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.

Job 8:7 (KJV)

  I just want to encourage you all today and everyday that the hardships in life that you go through, the test and trials that come, and anything that you have to work for is worth it.  God wants what is best for you, He's not going to deny you unless it's for your own good, and He will bring you into the fullness of His blessings. 

Just hold on a little longer, be like Jacob, and don't let go until your blessing comes.  I can tell you from experience that when it does you won't have room enough to receive it.  That it will be better than you ever imagined.  And I'll tell you something else, He's not done yet!  He can, will, and always does exceedingly above anything we can expect or fathom.  So my prayer for you today is that you hold on, stand strong, and that the blessings of the Lord overtake you!

~God Bless U

There is Beauty in the Storm

Across town the snow is falling and the roads are getting slick, Mary begins to look out the window and worry.  Over the last hour the snow started to really come down and the newscaster is predicting over 4 inches in the new few hours.  Mary said to no one in particular, "storms come for no reason but to bring trouble". She starts hoping and praying her boss tells everyone to pack it up.  She can just see the traffic at a stand still.  Mary wants to get home to the kids, the school already said they would be dismissing early.  Soon the announcement comes that everyone can go, and to get home as soon as possible, it going to be a blizzard.  Mary becomes worried and fearful, the last time she drove in the snow someone almost hit her car and she knows today will probably be no better.  Curse this snow, Mary thought.

 

Now the snow begins to fall in the neighborhood and Alex and Hailey can't wait to get off of the school bus.  They hurry into the house and their Dad, Michael has just arrived home too.  They greet their Dad and inquire as to when Mary, their Mom will be home.  Michael reports that he just spoke with her and that she's on her way.  The kids get giddy with excitement and run toward the garage.  Michael continues into the living room.

 

Mary makes it home after a grueling bout with traffic. She walks in the house as the wind picks up and again curses the snow under her breath.  As she walks in the house she's greeted with warmth from the fire place and immediately feels warmth all the way down to her toes.  She come to the living room where she sees the window covering spread and open to reveal the shovels in the back yard and all the fixings to sled and make snow men. The snow is falling and its a beautiful sight! She also find Michael, Alex and Hailey gathered around the fire with mugs of hot chocolate. One is sitting to the side for her. Hailey exclaims they've been waiting for her to get home!  Alex explains how they were super excited to get out of school early and how they got everything ready to play in the snow later!  Michael holds his arms out so that she can come get comfortable with them and enjoy the rest of the day.  As she sits down he whispers into her ear "thank God for blizzards".

Mary considered her earlier feelings regarding the snow, about how it was such a hassle and just made for a miserable time.  As she thought to herself, she looked at her family and considered their outlook on the snow, she quickly realized that perception is everything.  That though snow and blizzards can bring about some ugly conditions in some circumstances,  they can also bring some awesome moments too. She realized there is beauty in the storm.

I pray this touched your heart today and that you will consider every side of  the situations you find yourself in.  Look for the beauty, if you happen to not be able to find it, look directly to God because He has purpose in everything.

~God Bless U

God is FAITHFUL

Let me encourage you today that God is faithful!  He will not fail you, nor leave you, nor forsake you. Some of us are struggling with life; whether it be home, relationships, work, finances, spiritual health, physical health, mental health, or a combination thereof, God will see you through.  The scripture says:

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."  1Corinthians 10:13 (KJV)

So how do we make it?  When does it get better?  When will the pain stop?  When will the drought leave?  I believe these answers are not external but internal.  Things change when we decide to change our mindset about them.  Instead of feelings of despair encourage yourself in the Lord.  Proclaim victory over those issues and start doing things in your daily life to move past them.  There are some things that no matter how we try to out think them we need the Hand of God to come in and change  them.  God knows this too, and a can do mindset tells God you are still in the fight and you are not giving up.  That you are waiting on Him for your help. Our faith moves God into action.  He is there ready willing, able and waiting, to move on your behalf.  Ask Him and watch and see how He transforms your life right before your eyes. 

I had to ask God for help recently and I knew God was waiting on me to have the mindset needed to overcome the obstacle. One of my struggles is with being very tired after work, but still needing to come home and be a parent, cook a meal, and not spend my evenings trying to get rest that truly never comes because everybody still needs me.  There is no point in laying down to take a nap if your six year old will be on your side tapping you for a snack, or your seven year old wants to tell you about something funny that happened at school. Then its the middle child's turn, and then when you think you've gotten that out of the way here come the oldest to tell you about something he needs for school tomorrow.  Then an hour has passed, everyone has said what they had to say and they leave you to said nap, but you still don't get it because now your husband has made it home an you need to be mentally present to hear about his day.  In the end, it's like "what nap??? 

So I needed God's help to overcome the fatigue I felt after work and be productive for my household. One thing I decided to do is not go into my bedroom when I get home.  I stop at the table and take any questions from the kids, ask about homework, have snack, heat the over, etc.  Whatever I can do to break the monotony and keep going.  I'm training my mind that off of work does not mean off of life.  This has helped me so much that I now can go in the house, help with homework, start dinner, then run downstairs and hop on the treadmill for a few.  What has not changed is that I'm tired and that I would still rather be in my bed sleeping by 7pm.  But with God's help and a change in my mindset I am learning to do what is better and more profitable for me. 

With God nothing is impossible!  Now I do have some more pressing things that I need God's help with than my evening routine, but I wanted to give you an example of how God is faithful over the everyday things of your life.  Trust Him warriors. Try Him at His word and watch your mindset change and your circumstances improve!

God Bless U

By Prayer and Fasting

I have been praying for God to move on my behalf for a few things. At times I can see them being removed, but then another situation may come up and I'm presented with the issue all over again.  I was thinking about my circumstances all over again this morning, and the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance Matthew 17:21.

"Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting". Matthew 17:21

 

 

The disciples could not cast a spirit out of a man's son and they couldn't understand why.  Jesus talked to them about unbelief and faith, but then He let them know that there are some things that will only be removed by prayer and fasting. 

 

I believe this is the answer to those issues of life that seem to have a foothold on us.  The things that no matter how hard we try, we can't shake it, or it lingers, or it seems to come up over and over again. When we pray and fast we are garnering strength from the spirit realm to help us overcome spiritual and earthly obstacles. when you fast you put the flesh under subjection which then causes your spirit man to rise up and have direct communication into the spirit.  The bible tells us to worship in spirit and truth because God is spirit. So the flesh that usually separates us has to take a seat and we draw closer to our heavenly Father for direction, purpose, and care.  I believe when we pray and fast the whole heavenly hosts takes notice.  The enemy then has to back down, the troubling spirits flee from us and God stands glorified in our lives.

 

 

I know I went a little deep there, but there is so much deeper to go.  But, in the interest of not losing not one soul, let's put it like this:  prayer and fasting removes obstacles out of the way, it gives the believer clarity, hope, and the determination needed to overcome. Most importantly God moves mightily on your behalf! So I encourage you to pray and fast for the following areas:

• closer to God
• spiritual enlightenment
• healing (physical, emotional, & spiritual)
• knowledge and discernment
• breakage of generational curses
• removal of sin and iniquity
• fruitful and productive ministries
• strong and loving family life
• financial security & prosperity
• safety
• etc. (anything that is on your heart)

 

I'm not telling you anything I don't know to be the truth.  God has moved in mighty ways, my thinking has been changed, and actual miracles have happen to ME as a result of praying and fasting.   You don't need to be in turmoil to fast, in fact it is better to go unto Him for nothing more than to be closer and to experience His love on a new level.  I pray this helps someone, I truly know what my next steps are as we go into November.  I will be praying for spiritual enlightenment, a deeper understanding, the healing of my family, physical healing for my husband and I, and financial relief.  If you would like to join me as I go forward in this season of praying and fasting, or if you would like for me to explain a bit more regarding the two, please feel free to leave me a message or email me and I will be sure to respond.

 

God Bless U

Today

 

Be encouraged today warriors!  It's Tuesday, I know there is a long way to go in the week before the weekend, but ask God to open your eyes t o the fruit in the week.  We all rush to the weekend, that's often over to soon.  Make the most of your days, not just your weekends.  God works all the time, His glory, beauty, and majesty is ever present.  Stop, look at yourself, your surroundings , and find something you enjoy. Behold the beauty of His creation and move in purpose to be productive in that creation.  We have what we say, we are what we think, we manifest what we believe.  So believe today that this day is going to be a great day. Believe that this week, will be a great week.  Remember God is on the Throne, so we're already winning!

In the Paths of God

Good morning!  I pray all is going well with you today and if it's not I pray God's grace and mercy upon you right now.  (Agree with me in Jesus Name, Amen.)  I was praying this morning and I want to share with you one of the last parts of my prayer.  My words to God was "let me walk safely in your paths".  Right then and there I received a revelation that God has a path He has set out just for us.  we all know that we have individual walks, but did you ever think God has some avenues He has set up just for us to walk down.  For instance, we may be believing God for the better job. But what if you get the job offer and God tells you to stay where you are?  It seems you should take the "better job", but what if God is saying He has a work for you to do right where you are and the real "better: is coming later!  Or perhaps you think you should do a certain thing, but God nudges you in a different direction.  Because He knows what's best for us, and how our tomorrows will work out while we are still dealing with our yesterdays, we have to trust Him and the paths He has for us. Your path is not mine, and mine isn't yours. We may cross each other's paths from time to time, they may even run parallel for a season or even a lifetime, but these paths are just for you and the Father. The bible has much to say about our paths.  One scripture says,

 "Watch the path of your feet And all your ways will be established."  Proverbs 4:26

another says,

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" Psalms 119:105

There are many roads that lead to a lot of places, but the safest and most prosperous one is the one God Himself puts you on.  I encourage all of you to stop and say a quick prayer right now, and simply ask God to direct you in HIS paths.

God Bless U

When To Do is Too Much

Did you know that when you get overwhelmed because you have so much to do the vest thing to do is nothing?  I'm not saying be lazy and ignore your responsibilities, I'm saying stop what you are doing, breathe, regroup, harness some strength for the task ahead.  The scripture tells us to be anxious for nothing.  it then goes on to say that with prayer and supplication let your request be made known unto God through prayer and supplication. 

I have found myself overwhelmed with "to dos" today.  So much so, that to think about it puts me into a bad head space.  So I decided to stop and share with you, now I'm going to take my to dos to my Father, ask him for the strength, grace, and mercy that is required to be successful in this season, and then I'm going to sit and take a moment o myself before I get started. 

Be encouraged that GOD is able, even when we are not.

God Bless U

Stay Planted

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."    Psalms 1:1-4

Stay planted warriors,  God will take care of EVERYTHING, just stay close to HIM!

Late Night, Early Morning

I've been going, going, going, nonstop for the past couple of weeks. Often I've found myself loosing sleep, thinking about my situation or circumstances. I'm up now and it's 1:03 in the morning. My mind is plagued with the desire to work on the book God has entrusted to me. I also want to work harder on this blog,  get things together for the marriage ministry my husband and I lead. There is plenty to do.  There always will be.  It's about perspective. God knows or ability before He ever equips you with a task.  So trust His plans,  and not your own. On that note,  I am now encouraged to enter into His rest . I will be going to bed now! Thank you Jesus! After all this has been a late night and I have an early morning! 😉

God Bless U

Wise Words from CS Lewis

Don't ask God to remove the hard parts, they are for your making. Ask God to help you through them, to mold you along the way, and to reveal His heart in the process.
-Christina