The Eye of The Storm

The Eye of the Storm (8/14/08@710 am) 
It’s amazing to be able to look at God’s creations and also be able to see His awesome power. 
What’s even more amazing is that I've had so many dreams where I've actually seen storms forming and knew that they were coming for me. 
Well, being human, I did what we do best. 
I let my emotions take control. 
I was worrying and trying to avoid all that I felt would or could be apart of those storms. 
Not that it helped. 
Those storms in my life hit stronger and harder… 
So much so that I felt like I would die. 
Just because I fed them. 
I gave them more power than they had… 
However, in the midst of the storms there was a calm: 
And that took me back to Matthew 8:24-26, Mark 4:37-39 and Luke 8:23, 24 where Jesus and His disciples were out at sea when storms arose. 
Each time Jesus slept because He had peace in the midst of it all. 
He was calm. 
Whereas His disciples were full of fear and worried about dying. 
Therefore, Jesus awoke saying, “You of little faith. Peace, be still.” 
And it was so. 
He continued on believing in the power of God and once again prevailed. 
One thing I've come to realize is… 
In the midst of every storm there is a type of peace. 
A calm that takes over at some point. 
Even in the worst storm there is a calm amongst it. 
Take a hurricane and a tornado for example. 
These two storms are so destructive and catastrophic… 
But, there is still a peace within. 
These storms take away lives. 
They take away livelihood. 
But, at some point they are still calm. 
In the midst of these storms there is stillness and peace. 
In the middle of these storms there is a calm. 
The Eye of the Storm 
I look at these things and know that it was and still is only God who created everything. 
You can look at your life and literally see everything being destroyed or falling apart in every part of your surroundings; 
But, when you have faith in God and it takes over… 
Those human instincts that lead us to react and rely on ourselves disappear without a trace. 
You'll remain in the eye of the storm as the destruction passes over you. 
You remain in that place of peace. 
You remain in the safety of God’s power. 
You have His covering. 
You have His peace. 
You'll dwell in… 
The Eye of the Storm 
Shelette Carlisle 
Copyrighted 2008 

Power in the Life We Live!

Tonight's Group was POWERFUL!!! We learned so many things and most importantly we learned that someone else maybe going through EXACTLY the same thing that you are going through...but you have to be BOLD enough to step out and let your SISTER know!! Sharing your trials often times blesses someone else! Be BOLD AND COURAGEOUS not only because it feels good but because that is what God commands us to do (Joshua 1:3-9).. don't worry about what you need because GOD IS I AM (Matthew 6:25-34)!!! We have to learn to simply TRUST HIM!!! Although trusting God may be easier for some than others..  in the end TRUSTING GOD OPENS DOORS (Hebrews 3:14)!!!!! So many of the doors we can't even fathom. All the time I realize that my obedience not only blesses me.. but those of whom I am connected to.. I am VERY THANKFUL that GOD continues to OPEN DOORS for not only me but for ALL OF US!!! GOD gave us one another so that we can share our gifts and bless the KINGDOM OF GOD! Remember that the GREAT COMMISSION is to WIN SOULS FOR CHRIST (Matthew 28:16-20)... and how do we do that...???? OUR LIVES are our 1st Ministry, because that is something visible and people see you from day to day... how you handle adversity, and how you praise the GOD you SERVE! So, in closing ... Trust GOD, Live a LIFE that pleases GOD, LOVE WHO YOU ARE, and Have FAITH THAT THINGS WILL AND ALWAYS DO GET BETTER!!! CLAIM YOUR VICTORY!!!!!! You've already WON!!!

Reasons To Tithe

1. To Honor the Creator."Render… unto God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:21).Acquisitiveness is one of the basic drives of mankind. Children grasp their toys and cry, "Mine!" Someone has noted three attitudes in the parable of the good Samaritan. The priest and the Levite had the attitude, "What's mine is mine and I'm going to keep it!" The thieves had the attitude "What's yours is mine, and I'm going to get it!" The Samaritan had the attitude, 'What's mine is yours, and you can have it." There is another attitude that should permeate our thinking, even above the commendable attitude of the Samaritan. That is, "Everything we have belongs to God, and we are stewards of His goods'"
God owns the entire world and its substance. "The earth is the LORD"S, and the fulness thereof" (Psalm 24:1). "Behold, all souls are mine" (Ezekiel 18:4). "The silver is mine, and the gold is mine" (Haggai2:8). It is God who gives people the power to obtain wealth (Psalm 75:6-7; Ecclesiastes 5:19). We are not to glory in what God has given us, but to glory in Him (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
Why should I be grudge God ten percent when everything actually belongs to Him? If it were not for Him, there would be no land, no seed, no strength, no income, and no life. How generous He is to tell us, ""he tithe... is the LORD'S"! (Leviticus 27:30).
2. To Acknowledge My Heritage."And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:29).Abraham was the first tithe payer of record(Genesis 14:20). Abraham's grandson, Jacob, paid tithes (Genesis 28:22). Scripture says that Levi, Abraham's descendant and the father of the tribe from which the priesthood came, paid tithes in Abraham (Hebrews 7:9). My heritage of paying a tithe precedes the law of Moses. As a child of Abraham and an heir of the promise of Abraham. I acknowledge my family relationship by paying tithes.
Jesus said to the Jews, "If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham" (John 8:39). It would be strange to claim to be a child of Abraham and yet to neglect one of Abraham's most fundamental and noteworthy acts. I pay my tithes as a spiritual descendant of Abraham, the father of the faithful.
Reason #3: To Fulfill the Covenant
"For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious" II Corinthians 3:11
Reason #4 - To Show My Love
"Many waters cannot quench love" Song of Solomon 8:7
Reason #5 - To Fulfill an Obligation
"Ye pay tithe … these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone" Matthew 23:23
Reason #6 - To Escape Condemnation
"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me … in tithes and offerings" Malachi 3:8
Reason #7 - To Spread the Gospel
"So hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel" I Corinthians 9:14.
Reason #8 - To Avoid a Curse
"Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me" Malachi 3:9
Reason #9 - To Enjoy God's Blessing
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse … and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it " Malachi 3:10, Luke 6:38
Reason #10 - To Be Consistent"Be thou an example of the believers" I Timothy 4:12

Five Ways to Celebrate Singleness

How can you "celebrate your singleness?" Here are some ways to go on the offensive and enjoy life.

by Shana Schutte

When I moved out of my parent's house, no one told me how to scrutinize my credit report, live on a diet of macaroni and cheese or handle disappointment if I didn't marry by the time I turned 30 years old. Maybe I just didn't feel like these were important issues at the time. Or maybe, like millions of other single women, I assumed that my Mr. Right would make me his bride, take care of the finances and encourage me to buy food that wasn't of the pre-packaged variety.

Reality is so different than what I imagined nineteen years ago. Since then, I've won the battle of the bank book and have only sometimes eaten SpaghettiOs from the can. But the one thing that hasn't changed is my marital status.

For the life of me, I can't figure out why I haven't met a mate. I'm open to love, family and marriage, I'm emotionally stable and I've prayed countless times for a spouse. Still, I haven't met my husband.

Over the years, I've come to terms with my singleness. I've learned to cut out the whining and to celebrate life.

The most important I've learned is that I don't have to trick myself into believing that life is good. When we focus on others, when we strive to serve God, when we choose to believe that He is in control of our lives, that He loves us and knows what is best for us, we're more likely to focus on "whatever is good, whatever is lovely" (Phil. 4:8) like Scripture commands. Which I know from experience is much better than focusing on what you don't have and feeling miserable.

This isn't an easy mentality to embrace. It's even harder when it gets lonely or when fears about the future set in. The key is to go on the offensive. These are a few ways that have helped me combat self-pity, embrace joy and celebrate life:

• Start a gratitude journal. I once watched a movie in which a woman asked the main character, "Can you think of a time when you were really happy?"
  
  I asked myself the same question and immediately thought about one Christmas when I taught my five-year-old niece to stand on her head. This memory reminded me that if I make the effort, I can find joy in the smallest things. Paying close attention to life's little details—and then writing them down—helps me to remember little everyday moments as a celebration of life.
• Make a list of passions. I recently visited a Web site of a young woman who decided to celebrate her single life by creating a list of 38 things she wants to accomplish. Her wish-list included learning to dance, going sky-diving and taking a road trip with her sister. Like me, she's not anti-marriage. In fact, falling in love and having a family is near the top of her list. But writing these passions down reminds her of everything that she loves.
• Pour yourself into someone else's life. Last year I struck up a friendship with a young woman I met at a coffee shop. Turns out, she was looking for another woman to mentor her. Because I've been mentored, I know how it can encourage both people involved. Giving my time and heart to someone else has easily fostered my attitude of gratitude.
  
  Opportunities in your church or community to help others are abundant. Take a first step by asking God how you can serve and then keep your eyes open for ways to help someone in need.
• Reach out to others to meet your own social needs. I'm always amazed when I hear someone say they are disappointed in a church because no one greeted them. I gently want to remind them that others may be just as uncomfortable to step out and make friends as they are.
  
  Remember that if you are lonely, there is someone just like you nearby who is lonely, too. After you make the first move, consider taking the next step by inviting a group of Singles over for dinner or start a Bible study in your home.
• Do something that you couldn't do if you were married. Don't miss out on opportunities you might not be able to do in another chapter of your life, like taking an extensive missions trip or starting your own business. Don't forget to thank God for what you have.
  
  Celebrating your singleness does not mean you'll be single forever. It doesn't mean that you've decided to become a monk or join a nunnery, that you have to stop asking God for a mate or that you won't be lonely sometimes. It simply means surrendering to where God has you now in your life.

Why Tithe?

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it” (Malachi 3:10 NIV).

One of the fundamental errors that we have as human beings is greed, which is manifested mostly in terms of money or monetary value. Greed, by its very nature, is a striking against the riches within oneself because it appears that there is never enough here in the world. Our eyes are always “hungry.”

We can help to break the greed pattern by tithing, giving 10 percent of our personal wealth. When we tithe, two levels are activated — a level here in this world and, at the same time, a mystical, invisible level. The mystical is a communication saying “You are abundant and handle abundance well, so here's some more.” The other level, in this world, is when we look at our abundance and contribute joyfully through tithing. We are actually cheerful about it. This action sets up a countenance that is a form of glory in the human being, and that glory attracts more abundance.

When one person becomes free of materiality, it's like an infection going the other way. Instead of greed affecting honest people, honest people start affecting the greedy. You let go and give to God, joyfully and unconditionally.

It's simple to tithe: you just give back 10 percent of what you earn to the source of your spiritual teachings. It's done for the joy of giving. When you lovingly give in this way, the abundance starts to come to you in many ways.

Tithing is actually a spiritual law: to give back to the source of your spiritual teachings. When you commit to doing it, something inside you works differently from that day forward. Conditions may or may not immediately change in the physical world, but inside, it can work wonders.

Will We Know Each Other In Heaven?

Some time back I was asked some very personal questions about heaven. A young boy asked about a schoolmate who died. What if he lived a long time and then died. How would he recognize his friend when he got to heaven? The very next day the question was put the other way. A mother, now advanced in years, talked about the child she lost in infancy many years ago. How would she recognize her daughter in heaven?

The Bible does not tell us everything we would like to know about life after death. That lack of information does not lie in any reticence on God's part, but rather with our own inability to understand the answer. Heaven by definition is a realm unlike the world in which we live. God could tell us everything we wanted to know but the answers wouldn't make sense to us. It's like trying to explain the color green to a blind man. Heaven will make perfect sense to us once we get there.

So the Bible doesn't directly tell us how we will recognize each other in heaven. But I think there are hints that tell us that we will indeed know each other (and all the redeemed) for that matter. I Corinthians 13:12 says that "now we see but a poor reflection; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." Today we see each other dimly. Our vision is blocked by our human limitations. In heaven, the imperfections of age, sickness, weakness, disease and disaster will all be removed. So will the taint and mark of sin. The result will be that those in heaven, while retaining the essential core of their personality, will shed all marks of human weakness.

Will we know each other in heaven? Yes, of course. How else could it be heaven if we wandered throughout eternity not recognizing those we have loved in this life? We will be the same, yet strangely and wonderfully different, transformed by the grace of God.

One other small hint helps us. When Jesus was transfigured, Moses and Elijah appeared with him on the mountain. That's amazing, considering Moses died and Elijah was taken directly to heaven hundreds of years earlier. But James, Peter and John immediately recognized them.

That brings me to the answer. Heaven does not abolish human personality; it perfects it in ways that we can hardly imagine. In that day we will know each other completely, far beyond our limited knowing in this life. In the same way that a mother recognizes her daughter's cry in a crowded room, even so we will recognize our loved ones although we have been separated for dozens of years. Age will not matter. The passage of time will not matter. The young boy will recognize his schoolmate and it will be as if he last saw her yesterday. The mother will know her daughter and the daughter will know her mother.

How that could be is a mystery to me. I would not understand the answer if the Lord himself explained it to me. But I believe with all my heart that it is true. For the children of God, heaven will be the ultimate family reunion, a place where we will have no difficulty recognizing our loved ones who have gone on before us.



By Dr. Ray Pritchard

The Power of Change

I looked at myself in the past and the people around and wondered why we can't get to our ultimate goals in life. After evaluating myself and hearing what they had to say, it all came down to the same thing!!! The ability to want to CHANGE!!! Do u know how huge that point can be in someone's life. Now I do. I know when I was doing my thing in the world, I didn't want to change a thing. I felt like life was great. Come on now, all the women, cursing and others things was the life to me. To give that up and change was so so hard!!! Anything that has to do with living life right and having discipline at first is gonna be really hard. That's why it's hard to CHANGE bad habits and bad lifestyles. I'm telling you that people would tell me verbatim, that they don't want to change or there not ready to change. The thing is, they still expect God to bless then in huge ways. It doesnt work that way!!! God has his ways to get people's attention and I would advice anybody wait for that. God doesn't want to have to get the attention of hard headed people. I believe he wants use all his time helping us and molding us to the individuals that he wants us to be so we and be blessed like we never been blessed before. But that can only happen if we push forward to CHANGE. Don't be that hard headed person just living life the way you want to or not wanting to change or Procrastinate on it. That can put you in situations that you dont want to be in because of your choices. So remember you have help too!!! God will do all he can to help us CHANGE!!! We just have to do our part!!! God wants to bless us in huge ways!!! So lets CHANGE so he can!!! Have a blessed day!!!

3 Questions to Formulate a Life Plan for 2013

One of the most common ministry opportunities I have is helping people discover God’s will and determine a life direction. I sometimes feel I get to be a sort of “life coach.” I believe strongly in having a plan of where you want to go and what you want out of life. “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18). Several years ago I started asking people three questions to help them begin to formulate their own life plan. The questions are:

Where do you want to go?

Begin to ask yourself some evaluation questions. You can think of your own, but here’s some to consider. (Don’t be afraid to dream and think big when answering these questions.)

If you could see your life in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years, what would you hope to see?
Where would you live?
Where are you in your career?
What kind of relationship would you have with your spouse; with your children, etc.?
What does your relationship with God look like?
How are you going to get there?

People are usually pretty good at answering the questions above, or at least they have general ideas, but we don’t always plan a course of action to get there. One truth we cannot escape is that we will most likely end up in the direction we are heading. So, we don’t usually meet the goals we set for ourselves unless we aim for them. Begin to take the answers to the questions above and write some action steps to meeting them. What would you have to do differently in your life if you want to end up someday where you say you do?

Are you willing to pay the price?

This is always the quickest question to answer, but if it’s answered truthfully, it is always the hardest question. I hear men talk about wanting a close family, but they aren’t willing to place their family ahead of their career or hobbies. Someone says they want to advance in their career, but they aren’t willing to gain the education necessary. Achieving success at anything requires a certain level of sacrifice. Some people may want to attain the level, but they aren’t willing to invest what is required to get there. At some point you will have to determine if you are.

Spend some time wrestling with these questions and you will be on your way to developing your own life plan. For accountability purposes, share them with someone close to you and give them permission to periodically ask you how you are doing.


Written by: Ron Edmondson

Tiffany J. Haynes | Lead Instructor | NDHS/WDC| Tiffany.Haynes@norfolk.gov
Direct: 757.664.3229 | Fax: 757.664.3240 | www.kra.com
201 E. Little Creek Rd. | Norfolk, VA | 23505
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic mail may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and/or otherwise protected from disclosure to anyone other than its intended recipient (s). Any dissemination or use of this electronic mail or its contents by persons other than the intended recipient (s) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail so that we may correct our internal records. Please then delete the original message. Thank you.

My Husband on CBN

http://www.cbn.com/media/player/index.aspx?s=/mp4/RT74v3_WS&mobile=false

Single While Active

By Suzanne Hadley Gosselin

I am single.

I'm not ashamed to say it. Most of the time I'm OK with it. By "OK" I mean I don't break down in tears after attending my fifth wedding in one summer. I don't mourn with a tub of mint chocolate chip and Sleepless in Seattle every time I have a quiet Saturday night ... or four. And I barely cringe when my married friends get a twinkle in their eye and utter those dreaded words: "Soooo (they drag this word out endlessly), is there a guy in your life?"

I smile and explain (with maybe a bit of overcompensating enthusiasm) that there's not currently a special someone (nor has there been for three years), but I'm confident, in God's perfect timing, the right one will come along.

I've always believed this. In high school, I "kissed dating goodbye" along with a flood of Joshua Harris followers. In college I concentrated on my studies and built strong relationships with girlfriends, sidestepping an MRS degree. As a young college graduate I got my dream job. I was certain this was the time I'd be swept off my feet by an incredible Christian man.

But this year, as I celebrated my 28th birthday, I began to wonder: When, Lord? You know I want to be married and have a family. Have you forgotten me?

My stand-by excuses suddenly seemed unconvincing: "I'm thankful to be having all these great experiences before I settle down"; "I have more time to serve God as a single woman"; and, of course, the classic: "The amazing man God has for me is worth waiting for."

Waiting Game

I feel foolish and a little guilty for not trusting God to provide a mate for me. After all, He's given me more than my share of the desires of my heart: a great job, supportive friends, a loving family, a great place to live. But when it comes to waiting on Him for the man of my dreams, I doubt.

Part of the struggle is my lack of control over this area. After all, I can't go to the husband store and pick out the perfect mate. As a woman bound by biblical principles, I must wait for a guy to pursue me. So in the words of Oklahoma's spunky redhead, Ado Annie: "What's a girl to do?"

As I consider my singleness from the perspective of one slightly past the average marrying age, it looks very different than it did when I was 20. Some things I hoped would have happened by now have not. This forces the question: How can I embrace the life God has given me as a single woman while continuing to trust Him to provide the greatest desire of my heart?

Get in the Game

A few years ago, while taking an interpersonal communication class, I was schooled in the technique of active listening. Active listening is not just hearing the words someone is saying but engaging the speaker with follow-up questions that demonstrate you understand. Listening is normally a passive role, but when the listener takes an active part in the conversation the effectiveness of communication is heightened.

In thinking about my singleness, I realize a similar principle can be applied. I can wait on the Lord and trust His perfect plan for my life, while taking steps to prepare myself to be a good wife and mother. As I considered potential action steps, these five rose to the top.

Examine my attitude.

It's easy to put all the blame on the guys for my lack of romantic options. My friends and I often complain about the guys we know and their lack of initiative or seeming immaturity. But what am I doing to encourage healthy relationships with the men I know?

Not much. In fact, I regularly employ a method of instantaneous judgment. Within minutes of meeting a guy, I've labeled him worthy or unworthy. If he's worthy, I stress over whether he's interested in me; if he's unworthy, I write him off. Instead of opening myself up to get to know the individual and his many facets, I hamper potential friendships by jumping to conclusions.

These judgmental tendencies are at their worst in my interaction with Christian guy friends. Instead of seeing the unique ways in which God has gifted them, I find myself fixating on their faults.

My mom recently asked, "So what are you looking for in a guy these days?"

My reply was, "I'm not sure, but I know what I'm not looking for." This statement reveals a critical attitude that on further consideration I believe is unbecoming of a Christian woman. Regardless of whether these men are potential mates, I should be considering how I can spur them on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). As I allow God to replace judgment and criticism with openness and love, I will be nurturing characteristics valuable in a marriage relationship.

Pray for a husband.

I recently read an article, "Pray Boldly," that was very freeing. The article reminded me that marriage and family are good gifts that God delights to give. I don't need to feel guilty about asking for them.

Ignoring my desire for a husband does not make me more holy. While I am called to deny myself and follow Christ, I am also invited to bring my petitions and requests to Him. Why? For His glory.

I have begun praying regularly for a husband. In fact, a friend and I meet weekly to pray for each other in this specific area. I can tell you, it was very difficult the first time I attempted to state this request aloud. I had added about half a dozen disclaimers before my friend finally encouraged, "Just say it!"

As unnatural as requesting a husband feels, I know when a spouse comes into my life, I will recognize him as a gift from God's hand. And there's no need to be embarrassed. Our God is romantic. He loves love. He is love. It follows that my desire for marriage — a covenant reflective of God's character — is as important to Him as it is to me.

Get a life.

I have a friend who constantly laments that God has not given her a husband, but she never meets new people. She's not involved in group activities or even a community at her church.

Good marriages begin as good friendships, and friendships are developed through activities. Last year my college roommate, Gretta, married a man she'd led rafting trips with for four summers. During those years, Gretta and Jay saw each other at their best and worst and built a solid friendship. Eventually their friendship developed into romance.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a musician, a photographer or a movie connoisseur, find new places to develop your interests. Join a mountain biking club. Sign up for an art class. Volunteer for children's ministry at your church. If you are looking for someone to share your life and passions, what better place to meet him or her than while pursuing those passions? Even if you don't meet someone, you're doing things you love.

Find a marriage mentor.

When I look at the lives of my college girlfriends, who are married with children, I can become discouraged, feeling like I've been left behind. I have recently discovered the importance of having marriage mentors. These are women who pursued God passionately, but didn't marry right out of college — women like Robin.

I met Robin on a ministry trip I took to Russia. Robin, in her 40s, is an American doctor with a passion for helping Russian orphans. As I talked with Robin, her story unfolded: She became a medical doctor, married at 32 and had three children. Robin's oldest son, Nick, 9, was on the trip with us. As I watched Robin interact with Nick, I was impressed by her maturity and parenting ability — fruit of her life experience.

Barbara is another woman I admire. Barbara, convinced God had chosen to keep her single, was taken by surprise at 34 when she met Chuck, a widower. Within three months, she became a wife and instant mom to two young boys. Twenty-five years later, Barbara continues to share a special bond with her husband and adopted sons.

Women like Robin and Barbara remind me that God has something special planned for me, too. My story may be different from my already-married friends, but it is no less God-inspired.

Trust the Lord.

I've heard it a hundred times: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5). But trusting the Lord for a mate is easier said than done. I have moments of tremendous clarity where I wonder how I could ever doubt Him, but when yet another friend gets engaged or I face rejection, again, I start leaning.

One moment, I give Him permission to use me in any way He sees fit and the next I hint that the most fit way would be to deliver me a spouse, immediately (as if He needs suggestions).

Trusting the Lord to provide my deepest heart's desire requires scary faith. It's easier to keep God out of it and not risk the possibility that His plan for me may be a disappointment. But holding back, leaning on my own understanding, deprives me of a deep intimacy I could share with Him.

OK

Yes, I am OK with being single. But as I approach my 29th birthday, I will not be passive. I wait expectantly for what God has planned for me. The benefits of trusting God while preparing for what lies ahead are clear: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).

Overflowing with hope. That's how I want to live ... actively waiting and trusting.

FLIGHT #2013!!! Up, Up, and Away!!!!

Hello, Passengers. Welcome to Flight #2013.

We are prepared to take off into the New Year. Please make sure your Attitude and Blessings are secured and locked in an upright position. All self-destructive devices should be turned off at this time. All negativity, hurt and discouragement should be put away. Should we lose Altitude under pressure during the flight, reach up and pull down a Prayer. Prayers will automatically be activated by Faith. Once your Faith is activated, you can assist other passengers.

There will be NO BAGGAGE allowed on this flight. The CAPTAIN (GOD) has cleared us for takeoff.
Destination Greatness!
BE BLESSED....

Do Not Worry...

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

http://bible.us/116/mat.6.24.nlt

I Speak....

So I watched the 20/20 special on "weight loss" I also watched Mary Mary last night and when Erica said "I don't want to die" that hit me like a ton of bricks at first I wanted to lose weight so I could fit into a nice pair of jeans and not feel self conscious but now my weight loss is about LIVING! I want to Have children and spend time with my husband and grow old with him with our grandchildren all around us... I may only be 25 but I really need to get a hold on this thing now because Honestly what you do today affects and effects your tomorrow... I don't want to be sick or unhealthy I want to LIVE and NOT DIE!!!! God I really need you as I travel this road the enemy has told me that I couldn't do it and that it would be too hard but God you are greater and stronger than I am so fill me with your HOLY SPIRT! I need you to walk and run and eat and sleep with me GOD I just need you Lord!! This is my plea and I pray that anyone else that is struggling with weight loss will also be empowered to LIVE and NOT DIE in JESUS NAME!!!!! I love you God... I pray and SPEAK right now for strength and total healing to my body and mind!

In Jesus Name


Love you all


Tiffany ❤

“I Think I’m Being Followed” by Pastor Sheryl Brady

Acts 10:1-4, Psalm 23:6

The greatest privilege in life is prayer. Prayer is approaching God and having direct access to Him. It is the place where we unload our cares. It’s the ability to turn your soul. Without Him, the world cannot move or go in. He’s everywhere… He’s one BAD man!

Prayer can’t stay the same every year. You can’t pray about the same things over and over again. Pray for other things in your life like your spirit and soul rather than materialistic things. The problem with the current generation is that we don’t know how to pray. Our ancestors knew how to pray for things other than worldly values. For example, instead of asking God to give you the money for a house or a new car, ask God for a renewed spirit. Say a prayer like, “In thee, Oh Lord, do I place my trust”.

If you want your life or house to be a certain way, you have to live that way. In other words, if you want a holy house, you have to live holy. If you want a house of peace, you have to live peacefully. Praying in the spirit enlarges your territory. When God enlarges your life, your prayers need to enlarge. Remember the larger the territory, the heavier the Devil will try to destroy it. No need to be scared of the Devil or anyone because once you pray to God, who are they anyway?? No one! If we learn how to take time and pray, God will definitely see us through.

In the bible, Cornelius had a lot going on. He didn’t really know the ways or actions of the Church, but he had Faith and knew how to pray. Real faith is mostly found in those who are meek, humble, and not boastful. They know how to come before the Lord. Let’s take David for example. Many people wanted David killed, but David had faith that God will pull him out of his situation. Even when the people were after him to kill him, he laid on the streets. His friends didn’t understand, but he trusted in God and left it in his hands. We should have faith that says, “though they slay me, yet will I trust Him”.

You can look at someone outwardly, and tell how they are living spiritually. If your house is messy, that’s how your life is… A MESS! You have to get in order because God is a man of just that. One way that will help you get your life in order is to start tithing. We parade around in the things that God has blessed us with without giving back to Him. You’re really stealing from Him. You may have a $500,000 salary and only give God $1 on Sunday. He is the one that blessed you with the finances to pay for your nice Sunday clothes and other materialistic things. Once you start tithing , you will see your life change tremendously. You’ll start seeing that God will continue to give and provide in your life.

As mentioned, Cornelius was a man of Prayer. When God sees a person with integrity that can come to Him in prayer even though they are going through, He will open up the windows of Heaven and make a way. Your goals are no good if you’re not seeking God.
Cornelius was Generous. Generosity will open up things in your life. It provokes a God type of blessing that people can’t do for you. It means you are unselfish. You want everyone around you to be blessed. Your friends, family… you want them to be blessed like you. Being stingy with you have is not good. When you’re stingy, you stink! We’re stingy with our money, time, compliments to other, our smiles. For example, if you see someone with a nice outfit, we can’t even tell them that they look good because we’re too stingy to give them a compliment. We can’t do it because we don’t know who we are. God will stop blessing us if we don’t stop being stingy. Generosity creates a flow in your life. Just like currency (money), if you give generously, God will a create a finance flow in your life.

Like Cornelius, God will remember you by your prayer, faith, and generosity. He says that in the time of need, He will remember and bless us. Cornelius laid prayer and sowed seeds that didn’t seem as if they were working. When life seems unfair, God is getting ready to pull some strings in your life. It’s like a Memorial. Memorial means to remember. He remembers every generous thing you did, the prayer you sent up to Him, and the Faith that you had in Him. Therefore, because you built a Memorial before Him, He will bless you.

Many blessings come from our ancestors because they prayed for our future. We are living in the blessing of our ancestors. Our mother/father prayed us. Our grandmother/father prayed for us. Because of that, we are blessed beyond measures. Don’t’ let anyone make you feel bad about being blessed. The blessing may not have happened to your ancestor, but because they prayed for the future of you, your seed, and your seed’s seed, someone will receive it!

Overall, your faith, prayer, and generosity is why you made it to 2013! When you have been Faithful, God is unjust. God will follow you in your path as long as you trust in Him. Make room… there’s a blessing coming your way.


Written By: Jada Akins

Money Challenge

James Fortune Posted this yesterday I think it's a great idea so i will be starting this today!

Three Titles

Today while in church my Pastor began to discuss the "challenges of a new year" and as he went into the message he talked about his titles and all he has already obligated himself to without even saying "yes, I will help." Then it dawned on me that I only have 3 titles Daughter, Wife, Teacher and I complain about "ALL" I have to do...When in actuality I just need to get focused on What's really important! Some things like cleaning the house, and making lunch at one point in time seemed so tasking and so unimportant. However, those are my obligations, and they are apart of who I am. When Jesus went into the Garden of Gethsemane he asked God " is this what you really want me to do? Why me?" Then he took the once thought burden and turned it into a blessing... As I process and examine myself I realize, that's exactly what I need to do...turn my "burdens" into BLESSINGS...Life isn't about ME! It's about God getting the Glory out of my life. However, how can God get the Glory when I'm too busy complaining???

I was too ashamed and nervous to divulge my goals on my blog..#1 being I didn't want to be embarrassed when I didn't achieve my goals (I'm being transparent here). Then I had to realize that I was defeating myself before I even started. Moreover, I am greater than my obstacles because Jesus Lives INSIDE of ME!!! He is my light... and I can't shine without Him.

Nevertheless... My Goals for 2013:

1. READ MY WORD DAILY WITH MY HUSBAND
2. GET INTO A SECRET PLACE AND PRAY AND SEEK GOD
3. PURSUE LEADERSHIP DEGREE
4. CONTINUE TO GROW WOMEN'S RELEASE
5. EAT HEALTHY
6. WORK OUT 5-6 DAYS A WEEK
7. LOOSE 50 POUNDS
8. SPEND LESS MONEY! SAVE MORE!!!!
9. SING AGAIN
10. WRITE 7 SONGS AND RECORD


2012 I mastered a lot of things among them included tithing, starting ,Women's Release, Creating my YouTube Channel, cutting my hair, embracing who I am, and last but not least Spending Time with my  husband. Now you may say those goals arent much " I can do that in 6 months" well thats the beauty of goals..they are personal!  If my Goals increase thats great! AS LONG AS THEY DONT DECREASE!

Therefore, 2013 for my family is about finishing. Making the Most out of every moment embracing novity. Loving Where I am and appreciating the seconds...


Blessings to you and yours...


Tiffany