I REFUSE...

“I Refuse”

By: Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris

I refuse to be anything other than what the Father says I am

I refuse to be consumed by anger

I refuse to allow my pride to reduce my ability to live

I refuse to be controlled by the words of others

I refuse to allow self-doubt to keep me from daily progression

I refuse to be a victim of circumstance

I refuse to grow bitter or envious, hateful or spiteful

I refuse to suppress my will to live

I refuse to fall into traps that lead back to bound roads

I refuse to regret the life I live

I refuse even more to regret the life I’ve LIVED

I refuse to be crushed by broken promises

I refuse to exist as a sexual object, a toy, a Barbie doll without a brain, no sense and lacking pride

I refuse to live a life without color

I refuse to grow into an unimaginative zombie numb to the cruel people in the beautiful world whose sole purpose is to seek and destroy my soul

What I refuse may not be what you refuse

But I refuse to be devalued and deduced to substandard living because some refuse nothing when others refuse everything

I refuse to live my life void…for I AM purpose and that I cannot refuse

Women's Monthly Meet Up for September

Women's Monthly Meet Up is an opportunity to enjoy fellowship with like-minded women.  During the "Meet Up", we pray, discuss the book of the month, enjoy lite fare and open discussion on topics ranging from but not limited to; being single, dating, marriage, family, love, sex, domestic violence, abortion, politics, finances, submitting our will to God, buying a home and various other topics that impact and affect us on a daily basis.  The objective is to provide support and encouragement through fellowship and discussion.

Being whole is the goal...Mind, Body and Spirit! 
Join us for the next "Women's Meet Up":
Saturday, September 24, 2011, 5pm - 7pm.

Be amongst the first nine Women to arrive and receive special gift!!!
Book of the Month: "The Audacity of Hope" By President Barack Obama
Come ready to do something we have not done before!!!
RSVP by Thursday, Sept 22, 2011 to:  stacie.jharris@yahoo.com  See you there!

See below for "Women's Monthly Meet Up" schedule

Meeting Date             Book of the Month                      Author
Sept 24th - The Audacity of Hope - By President Barack H. Obama

Click Here to Purchase

Oct 29th - MOVIE: "Stoning of Soraya"
Conversation facilitated by Visionary for God, Ms. Shanelle Gayden
http://www.encourageasister.org/

Nov 26th - MUSIC: A Cool Jazz like setting – Details Coming Soon
(This is my Birthday weekend - I'm a turkey baby Nov 24th)

Dec 17th - End of the year celebration
(Gift Receiving - Surprise gifts to all attendees)

IN CASE YOU MISSED ALL THE GREAT BOOKS WE’VE READ SO FAR:

Jan 29th - The Dream Giver - By Bruce Wilkinson

February 26th - The 5 Love Languages - By Gary Chapman
Book on sale NOW at Lifeway Christian Bookstore in White Marsh
http://www.lifewaystores.com/  ($9.99)

March 19th - Two Weeks Before the Rest of My Life
- By Harold T. Fisher (Author graced us with his presence)
Learn more about author at http://www.rosefogg.com/

April 28th - Inspiration for Life
- By Justin Jones-Fosu
Learn more about author at  http://www.justininspires.com/

May 28th - Verse in Motion
- By Renee Jean  (Author joined us via skype)
Learn more about author at  http://www.verseinmotion.com/
                                             
June 25th - The Lady, Her Lover and Her Lord - By Bishop TD Jakes

July 30th - Journey to the Well - By Bishop Vashti McKenzie
http://thisisyourwakeupcallonline.com/

August 27th - Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome By Dr. Joy Leary


Also, join us Sunday – Saturday 7am for our Women’s prayer via conference call. 
Be restored, healed, refreshed, delivered, renewed, set free, revived and strengthened with this 15 minute power-packed prayer call.  Dial in at 605.562.3000 code 223212#. 

Be well and we look forward to hearing you on the prayer call and seeing you during the monthly meet up.  Feel free to invite others to join the conference call and monthly meet ups.

Write Your Own One Woman Show

Keisha Rivers-Shorty of the KARS Consulting Group interviews me, Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris regarding the many hats we wear as Woman.  Click the link below for tips to assist with balancing your life, be it personal or professional, that you may improve mind, body and spirit.

Write Your Own One Woman Show

Enjoy!

Reflection of the Greatest Gift

REFLECTION: Now that we've crept into the ninth month of the year I find myself reflecting yet again; where is my heart, what thoughts have I allowed to enter my mind, am I living, have I grown, what are my plans, have I kept my word to myself, my children, my family, to God, what have I accomplished, what have I learned and over all, what can I do differently to improve?  These are many of the questions that linger in my heart and mind.

The answers are both simple and complex; God has been the center and foundation of my heart, my thoughts, my mind, my living, and my plans.  He has done the increase and is the author and commander of my dreams and goals; for vision comes from Him.  All in all, I learned to trust God more, to grow in Him through His word by studying daily, resting daily in Him, quieting the voices in my head that I may hear the true and authentic voice. 

God is my guide.  He is my source and what I do to improve is to STAY IN THE SECRET PLACE!  So if you want my attention, if you want my time, if you want to hear words, if you question where I am or where I am going, know this; I am in the secret place and the only way to get to me is to come IN to that same place.  May you find your secret place…your ultimate resting place in God!

The Greatest Gift 
Rest in the Secret Place

Poem Written by Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris,
Inspired and Authored by God

Shield of shields, Light of light,

Oil of oil, Giver of gifts,

Love from love, Peace from peace,

Sleep from sleep, Awaken spirit,

Surely there is Depth in depth,

Matter from matter, Dirt from dirt,

Creations of creation, Piece by piece,

Seeking rest from rest; Here in the secret place,

My secret resting place; Strength is here,

Love, Hope, Peace, Joy; Increase resides here,

Increase in wisdom, knowledge and understanding,

Secret, no secret; Open to embrace all who seek

Here, In the secret place is all one desires