Can't say it's everybody

OK so I've been a churchgirl all my life. And like those who say there's nothing to Christianity, that the church is full of hypocrites, I've seen things that made me shudder. I know a thing or two about church hurt. Yea been talked about and even in all that, those things did not make me turn away from my faith; they drew me closer -- well eventually.

I too was done with churchfolk, even mad at God at one point and He and I weren't on speaking terms.

But His love drew me back and now I am commissioned to reflect what His love really likes in the earth.

To those who say ain't nobody right, I wholeheartedly disagree. Now it may take some prayer and Holy Spirit's leading but there is a remenant. There are Christians out there functioning as the Body should and I'm so glad God is connecting us.

Tonight I witnessed the Body at its best. Guest pastors came to fellowship with us and I watched in sheer amazement as one of the pastors put on a pair of gloves and started serving hot dogs. In that moment it wasn't about their church or our church. It was about filling a need.

Then God has blessed me with people who live in completely different states who keep me and my family and the ministry in prayer. We share information, because ministry shouldn't be proprietary. I had no problem sending over my message notes to a friend who was teaching on the same subject. It wasn't mine in the first place.

So to those who say we're all fradulent and wash their hands with the whole lot of us; be careful. There is a remnant determined to function as the Body was designed and is making a liar out of you.

The Body is functioning...you may have to search us out...but we are out here advancing the Kingdom.

We do exist and a quiet revolution is currently taking place.

Looking for such a ministry?

Drop me a line and I'll be glad to forward an ever growing list.

Much love...

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I don't believe it...

There is a popular thought that says it's harder to make friends when you're older. I've found that to be completely untrue. While I do have a few close friends from my junior high school days, God has blessed me with the coolest bunch of women I have the honor of calling my friend.

Now that I think about it, I met these women all online with just a few exceptions. These women live in the Northwest, the West Coast, some live in or near "Tornado Alley," a few in the "Bible Belt" or Southern states (is Florida considered a Southern state?) and then the others live where there's way too much snow for my liking!

There is even a group of women I've been friends with since Lindsey was in elementary school. We met on Oprah's online forum and we all just connected. When Oprah's people dismantled the forum we still stayed in touch. We tried other forums but just stick to emails nowadays. We've been through lifes ups and downs together; we've seen children born and children go off to college. Some are empty nesters, some knew from their youth that they didn't want any children of their own. I love these ladies even though we don't chat as often as we used too. We do check in on each other from time-to-time. I find myself thinking about them during the course of my day.

I've met some of my closest and dearest friends online. I've never met most of them in person but I know these ladies. I know their stories, their disappointments, their victories, their struggles. It's OK that we vary in age, have different political views, are different sizes and colors...these are still my girls and I love all them dearly.

I won't call names because you all know who you are!

I just want you to know that today I truly thank God for all of you. You have blessed my life and I keep you in my prayers.

Love you all...

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It all came flooding back

These memories are like old friends.

They flooded my mind as I walked around campus today.

I'm recalling the things I was so passionate about 20 years ago.

I loved reading and especially writing.

I knew I would write one day; books, essays, fiction, poetry.

Creative writing was my favorite class and Mr. Knight was my favorite teacher back at St. Mary's Academy! (Red ties rule!)

And I knew I loved academia. So here I am 20 years later pursuing those things and I'm so excited.

God is so awesome.

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Thursday morning greetings

I am blogging from my new favorite spot. I'm watching the wind blow across the water and it's so tranquil.

I filled out my application, met with an advisor and need to secure transcripts from ALL the schools I attended. That's quite a few seeing how completing my bachelors has been a journey. Then I need to take a math apptitude test which will determine if I can take the math class I need in December. I only have two core classes to take and wanted to do them at community college versus UPE for financial reasons.

Being back on a traditional campus brought back so many memories. I've always loved school. Had my life been different I would have been a career student. I remember wanting to be a college professor at one point. Being here reminded me of all that.

Once I finish my undergraduate work, I will pursue my masters so that I can teach. It won't be from UPE though! I think I finally figured out or at least moved back to what I wanted to be when I grew up - a college professor. Don't tell anybody but in my heart of hearts I want to pursue my doctorate too. Dr. Russell Hudson truly inspired me.

I will always love graphic design but I have known for some time it was time to move on. And that would also explain some occurences this week.

So how does Dr. Lisa Alexander sound? LOL!

Cool a turtle just came up for air!

Rain clouds are looming. Going to head back home...

Have a great day everyone.

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Wordless Wednesday

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Rainy Monday

Have you ever had an action dream? I mean the kind of dream that had you acting out in your sleep the very thing you were dreaming about? Last night I had one of those kinds of dream and woke up a bit tired. You see I was running like Flo-Jo in my dream and am in need of a nap today!

No time though, lots on my plate today!

It's raining here in Houston and according to the weatherman it's a slow-moving system so street flooding is likely. Sigh. Appreciate the rain, just not thrilled about driving in it. God bless my fellow Houstonians who think you are still supposed to drive 15 miles over the speed limit on days like today.

My coupon clipping is going well and can't wait to use them at just the right time. I've learned that you should match your coupon to the in-store deals so you have to wait. Wait for it...wait for it... NOW! So I'm a bit giddy about saving money and getting more bang for our buck!

Yesterday we had an awesome worship service. The Word was on point too! I love what God is doing. And I'm going to put LaShawn Kinniebrew on blast; what God has done in this woman over the past four years is mind-blowing! You go girl! God is using her and opening doors; it is absolutely phenomenal!

I'm seeing God realize some areas of concern and we're closing out the year whole, healed and in position to receive. I like it. I'm excited.

Think I'll run on and see what the ends gonna be.

Happy Monday everyone!

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Faithful, faithful, faithful, FAITHFULNESS!

God is faithful and I love Him for it! God moved so wonderfully for my family and for a dear friend of mine! I mean God answered same prayer on same day for both of our families! CYBERSCREAM! God is so awesome!

I'll say it again, God assured me that the second half of my life was going to be better than the first. Now the road getting that word to come to pass has been at times heartbreaking. But the end result is a beautiful thing. All things do work together for the good of them who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.

Today, I will pour out my worship upon Him; to the only wise God be power, glory and dominion now and forever!

I love Him today; it only gets better from here...

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A New Book

I've heard Pastor Deanna and Lady Melissa talk about this book for years and I finally have my copy. I filled out a survey and got a gift certificate to Amazon.com. What did I purchase? Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge!

Can't wait to start reading!

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I didn't think there was anything to it

I've seen Kate do it, even blogger Nicki does it. I've brushed it off and said it wasn't worth the time. What is it? Clipping coupons.

Today I was in Walmart and I see this woman with a binder going through her coupons. I stopped and asked her if it was truly worth it. I mean, I'm not a label connoisseur so the Walmart, Kroger, and HEB brands do just find and didn't think clipping coupons was worth it. When she began to tell me about all the FREE stuff she got or items for pennies I was sold.

She told me she buys 10 Sunday papers and clips all the coupons, she prints them out from the Internet and then even keeps the ones she gets in the mail. When you pair the coupon with in-store specials you really walk away a winner.

So she keeps a blog where she tells you what coupon you can use at what store for best deal.

Since I'm home, why not?

I like FREE stuff!

So Prophetess Valenica, you ready to clip some coupons? LOL!

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A much needed break

Last night was my last class till mid-November and I'm ecstatic! No homework to do today because everything was due yesterday. So today I can take care of some things and get ready for our outreach event tomorrow.

The Mission of Yahweh is having their Fall festival and the weather couldn't be more perfect! So we're looking forward to meeting some people in our community and showing the love of Jesus to some kids and their parents. My nephew Justin is going to help out since only a few of us will be able to stay for the whole time. Thanks Justin!

OK, it's time to get Evan off to his tutorials...

Have a great day everyone!

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My day

Let's see I take children to school; then pick them up. I go grocery shopping, take people to their appointments. I am the first responder to any given crisis. I cook, I clean, I do laundry, I take out trash. I entertain Mac the beagle. I shuttle people to rehearsals and football practices. I set schedules and check homework.

I am a mom; a stay-at-home-mom.

This truth hit me like a ton of bricks today! LOL!

No complaints; just a wow moment ...

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Change happens in the mind first

I understand that if change is ever going to occur, it will come by a renewed mind. It will come by facing hard truths, accepting those truths and realizing that you can do and be better. You can do and be what God says you can be when you line your thinking up with His Word.

I had a conversation last night that made me realize just how far I had come in my thinking and that real change had occurred in my life. But I don't dare forget where God has brought me from and it's because of Him I was able to make those changes.

Life is about learning right?

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Never more clearer than today

God wants what He wants and that's all He wants.

His love for His people is so great.

He really is a jealous God and with good reason. The cost to redeem us was great and He has a right to what is His.

And as much as we may want to take everyone along for the ride to our purpose and destiny; everyone can't go.

Here's to letting go and pursuing destiny and calling at full speed.

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All the single ladies...All the single ladies

One Fiance's Testimony...

Genine and I met on the job some years ago and immediately became friends. We would share testimonies in each others office and prayed often.

A few years ago she went through a painful divorce and started her life again. It wasn't easy.

Today she came to visit with her fiance...her Boaz if you will.

I wanted to share his testimony.He said when he met her, he FIRST met a woman of purpose. A woman walking out her faith and pursuing God. That's what attracted him to her...her commitment to God.Then he met Genine.

I thought that was so profound. See I know a lot of single women who want to be married and they're busy seeking out a mate and encountering a lot of Bozo's and "Ishmael's."

This good man, this man of God said he found his good thing chasing after God.

Just a reminder to all the single ladies, if you desire a true man of God, let him find you being a woman of purpose.

These good men do exist and are looking for true "Ruth's."

(Scripture reference; the book of Ruth...just a few chapters.)

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OK, tonight for sure!

Last night, we went to sleep and didn't get to do any stargazing. Tonight for sure! I'm actually looking forward to it. We are truly enjoying the weather of late! It's absolutely beautiful. Mac the beagle is currently sunning himself in the backyard.

With the change in my school schedule, Evan will be getting more time and attention where his school work is concerned. We just need to buckle down; more reading and less TV, more writing and less PlayStation. His teachers say he is the kindest, sweetest kid in their class but races through his work so that he can say he's done. So there's work to do and lessons to learn.

Be sure to get my play-by-play Twitter reports of the game this afternoon! They'll automatically post to my FaceBook as well.

Happy Saturday all.

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Sweet!

My counselor called and was able to admit me to the class I wanted! Plus I have a three week break between my current class and my next class! Iam thrilled! My counselor sounded a bit disappointed and said that there may be gaps in between the rest of my classes. I don't see that as a bad thing!

We are going to do some stargazing tonight. Will bundle up and make hot chocolate as we admire God's handiwork.

It's all good!

Have.a great weekend!

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I'm Loving It

I pulled out my sweater this morning! Absolutely loving the cooler weather. It had been in the 90's with equal humidity. The kind of weather that dictates a shower whenever you walkout doors and come back in. I've learned not to complain about the weather though. Seasons eventually do change in Houston.

My next class was going to be quite challenging so I did a bit of research and discovered a lower level class I needed to fill and have requested that class instead. Even if I have to change class days or even campus locations. We have a lot going on and the timing just is not right for the class my counselor had me signed up for. I'm looking forward to meeting some new people too. I have requested that this be my last University of Phoenix class of the year too. I'm taking my math requirement at the local community college over winter break and am looking forward to that experience.

Our team presentation last night went very well. I need to ace my remaining projects to pull an A- otherwise I'll have my first B since returning to school. Last week when I was ill, I turned in part of my homework and not all. I really didn't see the other questions so I was marked down heavily for not completing the assignment. I'm going to count the mishap to delirium!

Just a few errands to run today and I'll finish my homework and turn it in.

Have a great day everyone!

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Proof came in the mail yesterday

All this time, I had been afraid of the unknown. And let me tell you, the enemy is such an opportunist. Because what you don't know, he'll gladly fill in the blanks for you and mostly with lies. The bible is correct in stating that the enemy is the father of all lies. Well additional proof came in the mail yesterday.

Here are the facts.

• I am a 40 year old African-American woman
• I am over the normal weight requirement for my height (have been since childhood)
• I am apple-shaped (carry weight around midsection versus pear-shaped folk who carry weight around hip, butt, and thigh.)
• My family has a history of all the diseases that come with being overweight (diabetes, high blood pressure and so on)

So knowing all of this and then the constant bombardment of TV ads and PSAs, the enemy was more than willing to tell me I was a goner and that I was only a few breaths away from a heart attack.

I'd been putting off having blood work done because I was scared. I didn't want to have in black and white what I already thought I knew. And not knowing created additional stress.

Now, never mind my hospital visit earlier in the year gave me a clean bill of health. The enemy said, what do they know...they probably missed something. Another round of test also proved no ulcer and everything in my tummy was working fine. Still, the enemy said well if that's true, why are you experiencing this symptom?

Last week, I swallowed a big girl pill and submitted to blood testing.

And just as God had promised and what the docs had been saying all the time, ain't nothing wrong with me!

My blood work came back basically clean. Weight loss and diet change will bring numbers that are only slightly over normal back within normal range.

All this time, I allowed the enemy to torment me because I chose not to know. Perishing because I lacked knowledge.

So as with most things there are a couple of things to be learned here. 1.) The enemy is an opportunist. What you don't know, he'll gladly provide his version or outlook on your situation. And his word always contradicts the word of the Lord. 2.) Don't be willingly ignorant. Gives the enemy way too much ammunition. 3.) Take care of your health. It is a gift from the Father.

So where do I go from here?

To a smaller dress size.

It would be disrespectful to the Father to take advantage of His grace where my health is concerned. He has favored me and I refuse to be stupid.

God promised that the second half of my life would be so much better than the first.

I cannot be tormented anymore in regards to my health!

Proof that the enemy had been lying all this time came in the mail yesterday.

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You can't linger in this place; You can't stay here

I had the opportunity to observe an event over the weekend and I knew there was a lesson Holy Spirit wanted to share.

I watched an older teen interact with children half their age. It started innocently enough; they were all coloring a tablecloth which was part of the birthday decor. Elgin and I even added to the masterpiece! But then the situation started to deteriorate. The younger kids began taunting and abusing the older teen. What the teen failed to realize is that they were no longer a little kid. They didn't see themselves as we all did; a budding young adult. And that's when I realized that lingering in a place you've outgrown is torture.

I understand that what I witnessed was a problem with perception. It is so important to see yourself as God sees you. Otherwise you're lingering in places, participating in activities that God says you should have moved away from a long time ago. And while in this place, you're beat up and tortured and wondering what you did to warrant it all when the truth is you outgrew that place years ago. You should have been gone.

This skewed perception also manifests in the belittling of God's gift and calling in you in an attempt to fit in with others.

Holy Spirit says there are some places you simply can't revisit. You will always be two as far as those folk are concerned and that's not who you are today. To go back against Holy Spirit's leading sets you up for misery!

The moral of the story is this, we need to see ourselves as God sees us, accept where we are in Him and continue to grow.

There's nothing wrong with the kiddie table when you're a kid. But you look really odd at 30 trying to sit in a chair and fit under a table not meant for you.

Today I am who I am in Christ Jesus and there's nothing wrong with that.

I accept that and know I can't stay where I no longer fit.

Have a great day everyone.

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A good night

Last night I rested well and am so thankful I did so! I realized why my stomach felt like I had done 900 crunches; I had been doing that much tossing and turning in an attempt to get comfortable!

Tonight I will miss class. It's the first one I've missed since starting school in February. The night off is warranted! I have homework to complete and the goal is to have that done today. The NPNC site lost all the images and the good folk at Tekeme are replacing them for me. Once they load them back on Photobucket, I'll transfer
them to my own Website. That way I won't have to remember to login to Photobucket every three months or so to make sure the account stays active.

I'm also missing a photo for this site and the ZTCC site is back up after being hacked again. Good grief. It's been a week of technical challenges!

Mr. NFL had a good practice last night and is playing defense and offense. He is so excited. Lindsey starts dance rehearsal next week for an upcoming event which is going to be HUGE! Good things happening.

God is faithful!

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Rest Required

So I once again realized that rest is required for good mental and physical health. So tonight for the first time in a long time, I'm missing Bible study to stay home and rest. My doctor's visit today and the revolt by my body says I set up camp on the sofa and chill. So here I am.

Our lives are busy and quite full and downtime is required.

OK, I get it. I'm even taking off from school tomorrow.

I don't think I'm unlike most Americans who have so much going on that sleep is sometimes elusive. It takes a good while for my mind to wind down. When Elgin and I first married, I would fall asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. Not anymore. He is usually asleep before I am and I'm wide awake. I know I need to stop working a few hours before bed, I know that would help.

This is not a new topic for me, I just need to perfect and put into practice.

Here's to taking rest out of theory and putting into practice - regularly.

So tonight, it's me and Mac the beagle...

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The Game Didn't Change, I Did

To walk around blissfully ignorant is not something to be worn like a badge of honor. Paul in 1 Corinthians declares that he was not ignorant of Satan's devices and neither should we.

I was exposed to spiritual warfare way too young and to be honest it spooked me. There was no instruction or explanation. Just a lot of stuff that disturbed my sleep as a kid. I remember telling God I didn't ever want to see anything, or hear anything. I just want to do what I'm supposed to do and be completely oblivious to whatever else maybe working around me. In other words, I wanted to be blissfully ignorant.

At some point you have to come out of this ignorance if you're going to take up arms and be effective. Who wants to be like the one that beats the air in a fight as Paul described? You also have to realize that not everything is an attack; everything is not warfare. Imagine yourself in full armor fighting the wind. It looks real silly; like Don Quixote fighting his windmills.

God is charging this kid to be aware and at the same time He's removing those early, negative impressions with His truth.

David declared Him the Lord God Almighty, the Lord mighty in battle. I follow Him and have the good sense to know you don't wage war alone!

In this season, I need to be aware so I know how and where to fight. God is strategic and wastes no resources. I will be and do the same.

Today, I am armed with His truth.

The game didn't change, but I sure did.

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Just say thank you...

This morning while washing clothes, Holy Spirit spoke and said so what part of, shall men give unto your bosom are you having a problem with? Jesus in His word said that if you give, it would be given back to you pressed down, shaken together and running over shall men give unto your bosom.

Again, Lisa, what part of this process are you confused about?

I am learning how to receive and this is somewhat foreign to the one who is used to pouring out.

This is truly different.

Learning how to say thank you and let people give to me and my family.

I was temporarily the proverbial deer in headlight; confused at what was approaching me. It's God trying to bless you silly.

All part of the promise that the second half would be better than the first.

I can do this.

I can receive.

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We are the Titans

We are the Titans, the mighty, mighty Titans...

OK so by now you know that #23 and Company won their game today. It was so exciting and so much fun. Next week, we face a real contender and an insane coach. For real. We played against his team during flag football and he is just really out there. He wanted to recruit Mr. NFL for tackle but we just said no thanks.

On the way home from the game, Mr. NFL says, "I love tackle football." Then he tells us that the coaches were right, it is an honor to play Titans defense. #23 had quite a few sacks, rushed for about 25 yards, scored a touchdown and had worked well with his team. All the guys did a great job and the coaches are to be commended. We enjoy this win but know next week will be no picnic against psycho coach and his team.

Shifting gears a bit...

I want something more.

I want the thing that God spoke of when we first started in ministry four years ago. He asked if He could do something that we've never seen before. My answer is yes. I'm so hungry for something more. I know I've got to get to Georgia; that's for sure. Maybe Elgin and I should take a Fall tour with a trip to Connecticut to see Prophetess Karen and Apostle Stanely and then to see Prophetess Theresa and her beloved. I really want to go to Prophetess Theresa's church for one of their prayer services. She recounts these events and I'm like ooooooo, I wanna go! I don't know what they've got going on over there in Georgia but I am determined to find out! I'll be in Ohio next month and am excited about this ministry trip. I've got a inkling that God wants to do something awesome in our midst. I'm sure of it.

We'll see how the Father orchestrates it all.

I'm hungry for more...

Commissioned sang...the ordinary just won't do, I've got to have a touch from you and I can always find it in you Jesus.

Refusing the ordinary...

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Football Country

Last night, Mr. NFL and Co. had their walk through practice and there was a surprise pep rally for the guys for today's first game. OK wow, the parents and sponsor went way out for the guys which was so thoughtful. There were balloons, a DJ, banners to run through, noise makers, we had a blast. We were also late getting to our leadership meeting but it was worth it!

The guys got their jersey's last night and we finally found out their numbers. They keep all of this secret until day before game day.

Mr. NFL was in football heaven. He is so excited and we're excited for him. So much so we're in charge of the scoreboard today as parent volunteers. There was talk of a tailgating party but I don't want to miss the game! Well I couldn't do it today anyway since we'll be working the scoreboard.

I can see myself really getting into this. Especially since this is his passion. As long as he's enjoying it and wants to continue, we'll support him. The league says whenever the game is no longer fun for the guys its time to reconsider. The guys should really have a love for the game and enjoy playing. So far, not a problem.

So today is game day. We're going to paint his number on our faces, we're getting official NFL team gear, we're going all out. And I'm loving it! This is fun!

OK, it's official, I am a football mom and we are football family!

Go Team! Go Mr. NFL!

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Happy Friday

This morning I awoke to hubby playing BeBe and CeCe's Stay With Me. How nice! We were awakened by a passing storm in the early morning hours...lots of thunder and lightning. We eventually fell back asleep and that's when I heard hubby playing. Not a bad way to wake up.

Tonight we have football practice and a church business meeting. Looking forward to both. I have to turn in my homework today as well. I need to look it over just one more time before submitting. This professor gives us till Friday to turn in our homework. I appreciate the extra time! Lindsey is also taking accounting and her notes are helping me. There's even talk of me sitting in on her class and maybe even sitting in on the after school tutorials!

Today is a slower paced day, thank goodness and maybe I can squeeze in a nap. That would be wonderful!

Have a great day everyone!

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