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Monday, December 24, 2012

Enjoy the holidays!

zezu.org

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Let it Snow!

merrydotdandy.com

With forecasts of snow all over the Mid-west heading East, I just wanted to get home.  While I LOVE just looking outta the window watching snow fall and cover the Earth...I just wanted to get home for Christmas to be with my family, and the snow was holdin' me up, man!

Snow is so beautiful...

Ssssyyyykkkkkkkkkeeeeeee.  Snow is overrated. Ha-ha-ha. While beautiful, it tends to slow my pace.  Looking at it from another angle...snow helps me realize that I am not in control, that things and events in life are just "things," and reminds me of the majesty of God.  I mean, look at that photo!

Job 37:6 "He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.'"

Thursday, December 13, 2012

I hate tension

derbymanagement.com

So I HATEEEE tension.  I hate being in a conversation with one or more people in which things get a little heated and it feels like you can cut the tension in the room with a knife! I really don't like conflict either...

Funny thing is...many of the things/opportunities/parts of life we enjoy the most wouldn't exist with tension and conflict.  This is what I have to keep in mind so that I deal with tension and conflict effectively to bring about needed changes.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Good, clean fun

catholicmatch.com


\Ever gotten a birthday card that looked like this?  Ha-ha.  Well, it just so happens that (no, I didn't get a card like this, and no, it's not my birthday) that I had some good, clean fun with a group of Catholic ladies and one Catholic man tonight.  It all started as a quest to see Christmas lights...

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Gravity...earth to Ugena...earth to Ugena

playseat.com

Sitting on planes, I often look out of the window and am amazed by what I see.  The perspective of being up so high and seeing "it all" and then knowing that soon I will back on the ground, amongst the people.  Being at such an altitude reminds me that there is much more to life than what I see around me every day. Reminds me that there is a whole world out there and so many opportunities and possibilities.  Being up so high always seems to bring the gravity of this thing we can humanity or mortality home in my mind.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Home for the holidays

sofreshandsogreen.com

Alas, the holiday season is upon us...SO EXCITED!!!!

I'm sitting at the office now...the only one here at the moment so I have free reign to compose a blog post...but I am thankful for so many things!  The Lord has really been gracious to me and for that, I say thank You! I love lists....so here's one...

I'm so grateful for:
1. Salvation of course (GLORY!!!)
2. A loving and supportive family (including a younger brother who thinks he's the big brother)
3. Laughter
4. My Spanish tutor
5. My job - though it is challenging and demanding, it is very rewarding!
6. Wonderful old friends
7. Emotional growth
8. Being stretched mentally
9. New opportunities

And oodles and oodles more!

What are YOU grateful for???

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Are you gonna say something?!

Ok, so here's a real moment:  where will my Jewish family spend eternity?

*Pause*

There aren't Messianic Jews...so they don't believe in Jesus at all.  In fact, they are just more culturally Jewish than anything.  They are great people.  Morally good.  Examples:  they just gave away a CAR last month...I'M living with them for free...they stand up against injustice.  I could go on.

But they don't believe in my Jesus.

Where does that leave them?

When they stand before God...how will that go?

The Bible tells us how that will go...for people who don't know Jesus...

There are so many questions that are running through my mind in regards to this...but they all boil down to one question:  Will I share the Gospel with them?

At least then, I'll have done my part (in addition to praying for the Lord to save them of course), but will I do it?  

Please pray for them...and for me...that I will...

ovoyov.webs.com

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

A thought

http://vimeo.com/user5836103

God takes our actions seriously. He has big plans, but He doesn’t HAVE to use us to accomplish them. He wants to offer us that joy, but we can skip out on it by choosing our own sin over His blessing. And the sad thing is, we might never know what He wanted to give us. What’s sadder is that maybe we will. --Benjamin Power

Whew!

Saw this quote over at Book of Remembrance.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

A place of my own...well, sorta

apartmenttherapy.com

So, I've been lookin' for an apartment y'all.  Well, it doesn't even have to be an apartment, just a place to live.  But I have specific requirements for this place, and I've taken those requests to the Lord.  I've been looking for several months now.  Since I'm living with a family in town, I haven't felt pressed to move out.  Praise the Lord for allowing them to be gracious to me.

Finding the ideal place for me has been a bit challenging because I have very specific requirements....a place with:

-a woman (or more than one woman...I like living with roommates!)
-furniture
-utiliities included
-no pets
-no smoking
-no drugs
-cable included
-internet included
-more than one bathroom
-close to work
-$400 or less a month...

May seem VERYYYY unrealistic (lolol) but I've seen some Craigslist postings that come veryyyy close.  So, I'm praying and trusting the Lord with it.  Until I find something, I'll remain here...only God knows how long I'll be here.  Til then, I'll be content and be ready to watch Him work this thang out.

Friday, October 19, 2012

What my commencement speaker should have said

usm.edu

Mannn, was I NOTTT prepared for life after graduation!  I spent time unemployed, lived at home with family, and did not feel like a "successful" college graduate. More on what I DID learn during my first year out of college later...but here's what my commencement speaker should have said:

Life is tough but God is faithful.
You may be unemployed for a long time before getting a job but hang in there.
Take the time to reach back and help someone else.  You didn't get here by YOURself.
Don't forget where you came from.  The journey has shaped who you are today.
Commit your way to the Lord, and He'll work things out better than you could've ever planned (partly gathered from Proverbs 16:3).
Cherish the friends and memories you have from your time in college.
Use your time wisely:  if you only live to be 80, you have about 21,170 days left...make them count.
Enjoy the simple pleasures in life like being able to walk on a sunny day or having your mom fall asleep while watching a movie with you.
Make sure to use the money and resources the Lord has blessed you with wisely and to help others.

What other words of advice would you give graduating seniors?


Friday, October 12, 2012

Give me that!

Now, I'm usually pretty late when it comes to music...I finally heard this song on the BET Awards show...I think that's where.  But anyway, this song by Kirk and featuring Mali Music is so real and so inspiring to me. I first heard of Mali Music about two years ago when a friend of mine ran into him while doing music missions. Give me that joy, that God of the Bible, that TRUTH, that hope!!!!!!!!!

God always has a way of getting our attention.  The world needs to see, hear, and experience TRUTH.  The CHURCH needs to rise up and do what's right.  How will they know Jesus is real unless we show Him to them???  Unless we tell them?? Unless we talk the talk AND walk the walk!...working on this...join me!


Enjoy!

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Another award!


Months ago, I was nominated for another blogging award! Wow!  Thanks so much to The Sexy Single Mommy.  Thanks for reading this blog!

As a part of the nomination, I have to share 7 random facts about myself...so here's more about me!  In case you missed the other post with facts about me, check it here.

My Seven Random Facts:

1.  I love to drive - some of my friends jokingly call me a truck driver.
2. I currently live with a Jewish family (and love challah! That is some GOOOOOD bread!).
3. In high school, I was responsible for preparing communion and once used stale crackers for "the body" since we ran out of wafers...should've seen people's faces as they partook...Lord, forgive me...
4. I worked at a local dry cleaners in high school that had segregated restrooms in the 1950s.
5. When I'm out with friends, I have an alter-ego, am a bit loud, and love to make people laugh.  On normal days, I'm very quiet.  I'm definitely an introvert though and get my energy from being alone.
6. I used to be very afraid of dogs when I was a kid...once, I peed on myself while running away from a dog...a dog that wasn't chasing me...
7.  I sang a verse in an R&B song for a friend's album in college.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

The weakest member

emergingswanawards.blogspot.com

I bought these beautiful clip-on earrings from a thrift store late in the summer.  I'd been looking for a great pair of clip-ons and was determined not to buy any UNTIL I found a pair that I REALLLY liked...and that were cheap. So when I found this pair for only $2.50 in the second-hand shop...I was sold!  Problem with them was that they caused a little bit of an allergic reaction to my left ear lobe.  I was a bit saddened by it but didn't let that stop me from wearin' 'em!  I would just clean the irritated ear and put a bit of Vaseline (what a skin protectant!) on the lobe and then slap on the earring.  All that attention to that one little spot on my body reminded me of the weakest members of the body of Christ and how we need every part of that Body. 1 Corinthians 12:12-26.  Remember this whenever you run into people in the Body that you think are weaker: "No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary" (12:22).

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Work hard...play smart?

rapgenius.com



Ever had a job where you come home so beat that you don't wanna play hard?  Ha-ha.  I'd like to say "Work hard; play smart." I thought about this while I was sitting in the office yesterday.  It was Friday, and I was pretty much done with what I needed to do so I left a little early and decided to play smart!  Ice cream at a local shop and dinner for Shabbot with my new Jewish family (no, I'm not Jewish) and a co-worker.  A nice, calm end to a longgg week.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, September 23, 2012

More than the lions' den

Scooped from: brotherjones.com

Growing up, all I knew about Daniel was that he was smart (Daniel 1:17) and that God delivered him from the lions' den.  In this study I'm going through on prayer, I learned that not only did God deliver Daniel from the den BUT He used this to glorify Himself (as always!)!!! The king ended up honoring God  (Daniel 6)! It was such a great reminder and example to me of how our lives should give such glory and honor to God that others see that and recognize our mighty God! He is such a BOSS!!!

Sunday, September 9, 2012

God, do you still see me?

Scooped from: sandykumskov.com

"I regret obeying You!" I screamed into the night air as I drove home. I hit my palms on the steering wheel at a red light. "I have followed You my whole life -- not out of obligation, and not because I was trying to earn something, but because I love you! And now my bones are on fire and You're holding a fire hose and I keep calling Your name, but you're standing across the street handing out flowers to other people who don't even like You! I love You and You won't even touch me. What's wrong with You! You're a tease. Go make Your sunsets, go stir up wind and thunderstorms, go plant love in the hearts of the lonely. Whatever. I'll plug my ears and close my eyes because I don't want any of that from You anymore. Stop taunting me."

-Tara Leigh Cobble, Orange Jumpsuit:  Letters to the God of Freedom

Ever felt like that?


Friday, August 31, 2012

Bear with 'em

Scooped from: Digging the Word


"And I truly believe that community is an essential part of this Christian faith we practice.  We are called to open ourselves up to one another, for both the good times and the bad.  We cannot live our lives of faith inside a safe bubble where we only show off the perfection of our lives; no, we have to draw others in even to the bad and the unknown and the messy and the ugly."
-Carmen, Life Blessons

To read the rest of Carmen's post, click here

I have definitely experienced this type of community with a group of ladies I have known for the last four years.  I praise God for them and their willingness to bear with me in the good and bad times, and in the ugliness of sin as I strive to please the Lord.  They hold me accountable; they pray for me; they love me.  Colossians 3:13

Friday, August 24, 2012

Even from a coffee shop

scooped from lifehacker.com

I'm wanting to become one of those people who "work from a coffee shop."  It seems so cool (lol) and would give me a chance to get out of the office during the day.  The problem is that I'm often distracted when I go to coffee shops and other places by myself. I would want to become "a regular" somewhere so that I could use those relationships to share the Gospel and the love of Christ with people. In college, I would have dinner at one of the buffets once a week by myself just so I could strike up conversations with other people sitting at the bar alone and share my faith with them during our conversations.  God really worked in those times with a guy named Jim.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Oh prayer...

Scooped from: thegospelcoalition.org

Man, my walk with the Lord had been SLACKING for real up until last week when I actively chose to do something about it.  The Lord reminded me of this website I used to refer to called Discipleship Tools.  Now, I'm going through a study on prayer and also reading through James again.  I've really had to crucify my flesh and make spending time with the Lord a priority again!  With this job, I easily let it become more important than spending time with God...not anymore!! I've decided to MAKE WAR!

Has your walk with the Lord been slackin'?  Check out Discipleship Tools for helpful studies as a way to get back on track and don't neglect going to church on Sundays and even Bible Studies, small groups, and other ways to spur you on!

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!!!

Sunday, August 19, 2012

For my grandfather

Scooped from: sodahead.com
In memory of a man I respected and loved.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

I was nominated for 2 awards!


WOW! Thanks so much to Brittany at The Jovial Mom AND Comfy Kassi at Journey to a Comfortable Me for nominating me for this award!  I'll post later about the second award!

As a part of this, I have to answer the following:

What do you feel your purpose is in life?
to be a blessing to others in any way possible and to point people to Christ

What is your favorite book?
A Yellow Raft in Blue Water.  The story of a Native American grandmother, her daughter, and her daughter's daughter...surprisingly written by a man

Who or what inspires you most in life?
the God-given opportunities that arise with each day. 

Would you rather donate time or money?
money.  I gladly give time but wish I had more $$$ to give

What are your best qualities?
my sense of humor and kindness

If you were an organ in the body which would you be and why?
the tongue (does that count? lol) because I love talking (!!!) and eating!

Why do you blog?
i like to share my experiences and journey with Christ

What is your greatest accomplishment?
pouring into the life of Lakiya Bottle. I discipled her and she is really making an impact for Christ wherever she lives!  I praise God for working through me to draw her to Him!

Who is your role model/hero and why?
this may sound cliche but Jesus.  He was talked about, lied on, abused, and basically murdered for doing what was right...and that NEVER stopped Him!  His great love for us and obedience to His Father...wow!  I wanna bring glory to God through my life as well.

If you could be anything or anyone in the world, what would it be and why?
a full-time missionary that traveled to many places sharing the Gospel, helping the local church, feeding the hungry, helping the homeless, and so much more.  I just have a desire to help people and to make sure they get the opportunity to hear about Jesus

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Love this song

Agnus Dei...or Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty. lol.

Everytime I hear the music for it at a service, my hands usually just shoot straight up in the air! 'Cause HE IS SOOOO WORTHY!!!!!!!!! And I am so thankful for ALLLL that He has done!!! Most thankful that I.ain'.gotta.go.to.hell.  'Cause He rescued me!!!!!



This particular video-version of it gives me chills, too!  The Lord gave that boy a VOICE!!!

Sunday, August 12, 2012

The struggle is REAL

thebeautifulstruggle.tumblr.com
So my walk with the Lord has been a bit...hmm...how should I describe it...well, rough.  This past month, I have been on an emotional roller coaster struggling with a new job and all sorts of crazy newness.  When life picked up, I didn't work hard to make sure I spent daily time with the Lord...I just worked hard at my job...and complained a lot to Tina (my old housemate...praise God for her!).  She endured my groaning (as did other people when they asked about my job...thanks guys...) but also helped me to see that this job is everything I want(ed).  Funny how sometimes we can't see the sun for the clouds, right?

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Diary's one year anniversary!!!


Scooped from: shrink4men.wordpress.com

Two weeks ago marked the one year anniversary of Diary of a Church Girl!!! WHOOOO-HOOO!!!

Technically, the one year anniversary was July 24, and I am belated in celebrating my own blog's birthday...gosh.  I have been pretty busy though.  I hope to get back to posting regularly again!

Having this blog as a creative space for me to share things that I've learned and to share pieces of my life and journey with the Lord has been great!...cuz OH YES...it is indeed a journey to walk with Him.  A journey that will lead me...HOME. :)

Thanks for reading!!!

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Coffee Dates

Scooped from: Sacremento Street
Mmm...I love coffee dates with friends.  Them...me...and a a nice cup uh...water? Ha-ha-ha.  I'm not a coffee drinker so I usually have water when a friend and I meet up at a coffee shop.  Catching up for hours on end.  Sharing about all the crazy parts of our lives.  Laughing at the simplest of things.  Sharing our joys and fears.  And every now and then, maybe bonding through tears.  My sisters in Christ encourage me, rebuke me, exhort me, and love on me through all my craziness.  Here's to them...and future "coffee dates."

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. - proverbs 17.17 esv

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Forgiveness

Scooped from: Leadership and Other Ramblings

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Minus one regret




Scooped from: The Situationist

"When you get to the end of your life, you don't wanna wish you'd spent more time with Jesus before you finally meet Him." - Ugena Moses







Friday, June 29, 2012

Excuse me, DO WHAT?!

Scooped from: Year 27

When I really started to grow in my relationship with the Lord, I can remember reading these verses from James 1 and thinking, "WHAT?!?! Count it all joy?!?! We still talking 'bout trials?"  Ha-ha!  But this Scripture holds sooo much truth (OBVIOUSLY!).  While some people allow tests and trials to break them down, tests and trials produce steadfastness IF you trust in God.  Shouts out to Year 27 for the image.  Hop on over to the blog for more!

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Loving Your Husband into the Faith

MY 101ST POST!!! YAY!!! THANKS FOR READING!
Scooped from: goodreads.com

Hey ladies!  I ran across a book entitled Beloved Unbeliever several months ago.  I'm not married but this book is an awesome read for any woman who is married to an unbeliever.  It was written by Jo Berry (interesting name, right?!).  For any of you who are married to an unbeliever, please do not stop praying for your husband! And pray for the Holy Spirit to help you live a life that honors God in front of your husband.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

A letter to God

Dear Diary,

So I'm fittin'na write a letter ta God cuz some things just don't seem right!  I'm struggling and I feel like God is so far away that if I MAILED Him a letter, He might get it faster than my prayers.  My sin makes has me feeling terrible.  Seems like sometimes I try to do right, and I end up doing the wrong thing.  Seems like I'm having a hard time bringing this flesh under subjection.  I feel like the unbeliever 'Crae describes in this video: 


Strong words, I know but that's how I'm feeling. 

Seems like sometimes when I try to make sure I rep Christ fa real fa real, I get real' scared and don't share the Gospel when I know I should.  I've missed so many opportunities to literally preach Christ to cats. What can I do??! Lordddd, help!!!

Signed,
Ashamed

Well, check out the response I got.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

No way!! Yes!! WAYYY!!!

Scooped from: amazon.com

Have you ever heard of The Street Bible?  I was pretty floored while reading Urban Missionary Blog and seeing a quote from something called The Street Bible.  I thought it was a joke til I googled it...ha-ha-ha.  Check out the "verses" I read 'bout Crazy Johnny a.k.a...John the Baptist!

While he was doing time in the pen, Crazy Johnny heard the word on the street about what his cousin was doing. Johnny sent his boys to ask Jesus, 'Are you the One God sent to get us out of this mess or not?'

Jesus said, 'The proof is in the pudding. Tell Johnny I’m doing some wild miracles here. I’m healing people who are blind as bats, straightening out crippled legs, changing rotting flesh into brand new skin, unplugging deaf ears, bringing dead people back to life and I’m telling the poor not to give up hope because God really does love them. I may look pretty ordinary on the outside, but looks can be deceiving. If you hang in there with me, you’ll find what you are looking for.'

Matthew 11:2-5 (The Street Bible)

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Just a thought...

Scooped from: epitemnein-epitomic.blogspot.com
I thought this was kinda cool when I saw it.  But the words of the Scripture (very familiar I know) are even BETTER.  You ever really pondered them?

"For God..." the Creator of the universe, the Perfect One, the One with the power to create AND destroy, to give and to take away...

"so loved the world..." wait a minute, what?  Why would He love us?  We're so terrible!  We willingly go against Him and His Word.  Treat others badly.  Don't spend time with Him.  Don't live our lives in a way that always points people to Him.  Say bad words.  Lie.  Steal. Are full of pride.  Get angry quickly and fly off the handle.  Are selfish...and self-centered...Sleep around.  Look at dirty things.  Think dirty thoughts.  Think evil thoughts.  Talk about people.  Harm ourselves.  Are lazy.  Eat too much.  Get drunk.  Ok ok. We do A LOT of bad.  Need I say more? And sometimes we live for Him...but we're real' wishy-washy...

"that He GAVE..." so the same One who was and is and will always be perfect gave the HORRIBLE people something?  The same people that CHOSE to disobey Him and continue to choose to do so?  Yep.  He gave us...

"His only begotten Son"...so God supernaturally impregnates a woman for the purpose of saving the world....WOW...what a plan!...Ok...so let it be known in history that God, the Creator, had a Child named Jesus by a virgin named Mary...

"that whosoever believes in Him"...so anybody can believe in Christ?  Well, yeah, but James said "even the demons believe" in God "and tremble" (James 2:19).  So, you should have some works, some actions, showing that you have faith (James 2:17).   You better be REALLY believing in Him and I mean, putting your TRUST (or faith!) in Him! Believing that He is who He said He was and that God brought Him from the dead!!...

"should not perish..." Whoever believes - that REAL belief - in Jesus will physically die but you won't be separated from God because you're in hell after you die...now THAT'S PERISHING!!! Going to hell that is!...

"but have everlasting life."  Thank You, God for this! Living with God in heaven where you're always with Him..FOREVER!!!! With no hard times! No sickness! No disease! No having to get up early and go to work!  No bills!  No heartache!  No suffering! No struggling! Not even any TEARS!!! Now THAT'S LIFE!  And you get to live forever! With God!

AAAAAMEN.

John 3:16 from the King James 2000 Bible

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Leaving a legacy


I think a lot about my life and the type of impact I want to have.  I think about how I want to remembered, and the lives I want to touch.  I consider the consequences of my actions before I act (sometimes...) and other times I consider those consequences after I've acted (fail...).  There's a problem with all this thinking about my life...it's really not about me at all.  IT'S ABOUT HIM.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Indelible impression

desertpastor.com

She sat there alone.  I saw her.  And I knew that God saw her.  How could I share His love with her?  She wasn't sitting at a fancy table like the one above that we typically have in our homes.  She was sitting at a table in the dining area of a homeless shelter for women and families...at a rescue mission.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Jesus trumps all of them!

newschoolers.com

Ever played "Trump"?  If not, don't feel bad, I've never played but I've seen people play and it looks fun. Ha-ha-ha.  I'm more of an Uno person myself.  But the term trump as a verb, means to "excel, surpass, outdo" (dictionary.com).  And that's exactly what my Savior does to all those other gods, leaders, and e'erthang.  Keep reading to find out what my conversation with two teenagers about this was like.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Real relationship?

Scooped from: Ministry of Soccer

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Changing into mah Church Clothes

evangelicaloutpost.com

That Lecrae Moore don' done it again!  His new mixtape entitled "Church Clothes" is so raw, so real, and sooo hood (my personal fave).  Those tracks had me thinking, "Do I need to take a trip to da A to pat dat boy on da back?!?!"  Job well done.  All glory to the Father!  Makes me want to reproduce it in bulk and take it wit me when I hit da block wit da Gospel!  Still might do dat...anyway... Click here to download it!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

The importance of accountability [Part 2]

What's the point of accountability? I don't want someone else all in my business, judging me, claiming to pray for me, and not sharing information with me that isn't as personal as the info I share.  Maybe I can just get by in my relationship with God by just having Him hold my deep, dark secrets and hoping that during my times of fasting and prayer, He will just make me better.  I don't really need community anyway since this walk with God is a "personal relationship"? Right...?

I'm sure you're just WAITING to read about what happened in that accountability sphere!  Don't be anxious! Be anxious for nothing...Philippians 4:6...ha-ha-ha...

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Stuck

johnalanpick.com

Ever felt...stuck?  Goodness, me!  It is a rough feeling.  Feeling uncertain.  Things seem to be unclear.  It feels like God is distant and taking His time in answering my prayers.  I'm trying not to be anxious but my flesh is weak.  It seems like it would be so much easier if God would just let me take a "sneak peak" into the future so that I can catch a glimpse of how much longer I'll be stuck.  But I know His ways are higher than mine.  They are perfect.  He loves me and He already knows how things will turn out.  No matter where life's journey takes me, I know that when the days are done, I'll be with Him.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The importance of accountability [Part 1]

covenanteyes.com
What's the point of accountability? I don't want someone else all in my business, judging me, claiming to pray for me, and not sharing information with me that isn't as personal as the info I share.  Maybe I can just get by in my relationship with God by just having Him hold my deep, dark secrets and hoping that during my times of fasting and prayer, He will just make me better.  I don't really need community anyway since this walk with God is a "personal relationship"? Right...?

Umm...nah boo...that's err...WRONG.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Crazy Love

urbanchristiannews.com

Alright, alright.  The book I quoted from in that last post... It's entitled Crazy Love by Francis Chan.  Man, oh man, this book convicted and blessed me!  And caused me to spend more time in reflection and really seeking the Lord as I think through some practical ways to really live out what Jesus taught.  It really challenged my perception of God and of giving; of His love for me and my love for Him.

Some excellent quotes from the book can be found here.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Joy

I read a line from Francis Chan's Crazy Love that said, "Joy is something we have to choose and then work for."  How true!  Happiness on the other hand can be so wishy-washy (it's nice while it lasts though, right?)

Oh, the joy of the Lord!...Check out Susan Ashton's - "What Joy"


Glory to His beautiful Name.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Enjoying this season

kingofuganda.blogspot.com

I've been doing a lot of self-reflection lately...as always...l.o.l...and I've realized that I really want to enjoy this season of my life.  At present, I'm single, working (in the process of changing careers), and I live with my family (what a cost-saver!).  This season presents many freedoms, challenges, and responsibilities.

I can come and go as I please. I can really invest my time into ministry without having to be concerned with cooking dinner for a husband and kids (although I occasionally cook dinner for my actual family).  I don't have to worry about pleasing a husband.  Reminds me of the words of 1 Corinthians 7:32-35:

Monday, April 30, 2012

Let's see...

Applejaxx - "Jesus High"


What are your thoughts on this one?  I ran across one day last year (oh, how time flies!) and decided to post it up for today.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Virgin Lips

istockphoto.com

I found the link to the post Virgin Lips on a cool blog entitled Writing to Be Real. What a standard!  What standard?  Read the Virgin Lips post to find out! ;)

Friday, April 20, 2012

Still selfish?!

herbofdc.blogspot.com

Ok...so I had a pretty visible mishap week.  An effort to be selfless revealed that there was still some selfishness tucked under the surface.  Thank You, Lord for grace! Let me explain the story...

Monday, April 16, 2012

LOVE this post!

eastsidebooksbishop.com

I've been a bookworm virtually all of my life and have noticed lately that I need to spend more time in THE Book. Check out this post from Carmen at LifeBlessons.  It's entitled, "Why I Stopped Reading Books" in order to focus on that GOOD BOOK!  The WORD!! Glory to God!  What an awesome reminder to let the Word trump all other books and read the BOOK that was written for US and inspired by HIM!

Check it here: Why I Stopped Reading Books.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

So hood


Decipha "I'm Not" feat. Tedashii



T-Dott in anotha one!


Happy Saturday!!!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Do You Love Him ON TODAY?!

whdowntownblog.org

Ok, ok.  So I know that "on today" isn't QUITE the correct way to state that something happened "today."  But nonetheless!  I wanted to use it.  People in the Black church have been using it for years and no one to my knowledge has ever been corrected during the service. HA-HA-HA.

Anyway, this week I found myself thinking...do I really love God?  I mean, REALLY?

I'm reading this fantastic book entitled, Crazy Love by Francis Chan and he takes a look at God's extravagant and prodigal love for us and how people who really love God respond.  When the average church-goer looks at their life, (me in this case so that no one thinks I am pointing a finger at them!) do they really love God?  Do my actions show that?  By that I mean, do I serve others like I'm doing it out of my love for Christ?  Do I share the Gospel with people because I want them to enter into an amazing relationship with the incredible God that I LOVE and who loves them and so that they can spend eternity with Him (and not in hell)?  Do I really invest my life in doing what pleases God OR do I just do what I wanna do to please myself and hope that God is pleased in the process?

A book review and more to come...

Stay tuned...

Thursday, April 12, 2012

A Mighty Fortress

Christy Nockels - "A Mighty Fortress"


Check out this song.  And while you're at it...read this Scripture Psalm 46 ESV.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Another from Kierra

Kierra Sheard - "Since I Found Christ" featuring Mali Music and JDS (J. Drew Sheard...who happens to be Kierra's brother).  Heard of Mali Music?? He's pretty beastly.  He also is on a track with Kirk Franklin called "Give Me."


How has your life changed since you met Jesus?  Hopefully in DRASTIC ways.  I'm in a state of self-examination right now as I examine my life according to the Book of 1 John, read Crazy Love (stay tuned for my notes from the book), and spend time seeking God's face.  I want my relationship with God to be intimate and for my life to reflect that.

How about you?

Friday, April 6, 2012

Pray for Trayvon's family



If you've picked up a newspaper, gone to an online news website, or turned on the news, you've probably heard about the Trayvon Martin tragedy.  No matter what your feelings are regarding the Trayvon Martin case, please pray for his family.  


Pray for:
1) Strength from the Lord during this tough time
2) For the Holy Spirit to comfort their hearts
3) That if they are unsaved, that the Lord would save them
4) For finances to cover their expenses
5) And whatever else the Lord leads you to pray for

Thursday, April 5, 2012

In awe of Him


One day several weeks ago I received a text from one of my friends that said, “I am sooo in awe of God!” and talked about him being a self-taught musician.  I was so encouraged by that text!  His dream has been to be a musician and throughout the last year God has opened so many doors and given him so many opportunities to practice! 

Around the same time that I got the text, I was reading this blog called the “Whitacre Adoption” (found the link from the GirlTalk blog).  Reading about their heart for adoption and the reason being because we were adopted by God and reading about their “Gospel-centered” lives made me just overwhelmed by God’s love.  Seeing them live it out was...."Whew!!!"  When I saw the video of them meeting the kids for the first time, the tears flowed.  In my head I was singing the words, “I pour my love on You” to the Lord and it was a wrap.  Ever heard that song?  If not, check it out...really listen to the words and stand in awe of our God...





Tuesday, April 3, 2012

The Gospel in Everyday Life

noahthedocumentary.net

As I continue to spend time with the Lord, He continues to draw me closer to Him.  I guess James was right, eh (See James 4:8)?? The Lord has been opening my mind to see how everyday events can be used as illustrations to explain the Gospel.  For example, I went outside last night to throw some things in the recycling bin and the moon was shining so brightly that I thought an outdoor light was on!  When I came back inside, the Holy Spirit reminded me that just as the moon was shining brightly by reflecting the sun's light, my light should shine brightly before men as I reflect the light of the Son.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
matthew 5.16 esv

I plan to use illustrations such as the above as I share the Gospel with people.  Gotta be on that urban missionary grind!

What ordinary events help you understand the Gospel more clearly?

Monday, April 2, 2012

One mo from da projects

I told y'all yesterday I like the Washington projects...here's the song that first led me to them..like love at first sound.

"Light Up the Dark"

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Dem projects


Washington Projects - "You are My World."  I really like these guys.  I'll be posting another one from them tomorrow...yep...I will do that.

Friday, March 16, 2012

She so spunky!

Yes, I did say, "She so spunky" and not "She's so spunky." She.jus.dat. spunky. Jade Harrell - "King of My Heart."

Happy Friday!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Gospel for Asia


gfa.org/offer/freebook

God has been pulling at my heart for the nations over the last few years.  I was introduced to Gospel for Asia about 2 years ago and ordered the free book Revolution in World Missions by K.P. Yohannan, the organization's founder.  Click here for stirring videos from the organization's website and check out ways to support missionaries in Asia.  These missionaries are serving their countrymen as they seek to share the Gospel with the people of their nations. 

K.P.'s book gives a heart-wrenching, faith-building, extraordinary account of how he started as a missionary in Asia, moved to the U.S. with his wife, and then began Gospel for Asia at the prompting of the Holy Spirit.  The AMAZING provisions the Lord made for the funds and the man-power are all a testimony to Him alone.

Here are some quotes from the book that really convicted me and encouraged me to pray and to GIVE to help support what they call a "national missionary":

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Opinion please!

E Tizz - "He Will Never Leave Me"


Alright now...wachall think about this one?  Stumbled upon it last year.

Monday, March 5, 2012

The lover of my soul


Another one from Kari.  "I'm in Love with You."


As you can see from the music of the day, there's a lil' theme here...I'd been preparing myself for the ultimate human commitment of MARRIAGE (AHHH!!!) by reading plenty of relationship books (here's the first book review if you need to catch up) and praying when the Lord opened by eyes...He reminded me that HE should be the most important Person in my life.  He reminded me that the Person I should seek to please the most; the Person I should love the most; the Person I should get to know the most; and the Person I should reflect the most is Him.  Not a man made of clay.  Don't get me wrong - marriage is a beautiful institution, created by God himself...just do not neglect your relationship with the Lord, ladies.  He's the lover of our souls...and He's jealous for us.

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
     1 john 4:9-11

Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/20-inspirational-bible-verses-about-gods-love/#ixzz1l3qH4xGe
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