Release, Rest, Relief...

Release comes before Rest and Relief follows Rest

Matthew 11:28 - King James Bible:

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.

We closed the year 2011 powerfully with messages discussing faith & increase and learned that we can no longer operate from mustard seed faith. In fact, we learned in Romans 4:17-24 that we ought to live with an Abraham faith. If you missed it, Abraham believed God so much so that His faith increased JUST at the sound of hearing Gods voice speak promise. The word said Abraham trusted God at His word to do just what He said although Abraham had no clue how God was going to make dead parts (old age body parts) function or work properly in order to get the outcome God spoke.

I know this may be familiar for some of us but I'm sharing this particular passage of scripture as a reminder that faith is essential to getting to Gods desired outcome for our lives. In fact, the word tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Ok, so now that takes us to our point.

Now that we have grown in faith, now that we understand, TRULY understand that faith is NOT seeing first and then believing but its believing even when we can't see. Now that we have released our uncertainty which means we've given up on our old friend disbelief and decided AND agreed to live with a spirit of expectation. We've released our mustard seed faith back into the ground that God may be able to increase what we have, growing our faith that we may walk, live, eat, drink and BE promise.

According to Webster's online dictionary there are multiple meanings of the word RELEASE. I will share a few here and charge you to look it up for yourself:

RELEASE is:

Ø  To be free from confinement, bondage, obligation, pain, or to let go as in to release a prisoner or to release someone from a debt

Ø  To free from anything that restrains

Ø  To allow to be known, issued, done, or exhibited: to release an article for publication
---I like this one because it says, I serve the devil written notice that I'm done with little faith...I make known to satan, demonic forces and everyone entering my space that I am now released to exhibit, to be on display, to show off the workings of this new faith

Ø  To give up, relinquish, or surrender – the surrender of a right or the like to another
--- This again is where we do the exchange with God. He gives us the right to life and all that is within His perfect will, we release our faith, surrender all He promised back to Him and He then releases what's necessary for us to take the next step...growth is constant exchange between us and God.

Ø  Remission, as of a debt, tax, or tribute

--- All I'm going to say here is Christ paid it all!!!

Ø  A control mechanism for starting or stopping a machine, esp. by removing some restrictive apparatus.

Ø  The opening of an exhaust port or valve at or near the working stroke of an engine so that the working fluid can be exhausted on the return stroke.

What are your restrictive apparatuses? In other words the definition is saying what keeps me (you) from being filled with faith.  What blocks our ability to walk and live according to our faith is now removed. This is where we open and pour out – igniting something (activating faith) so that what's in us will work together for a specific outcome. Release is to be open!!!

Well I took a glimpse back at 2011 and now look forward to 2012 and because I KNOW that Gods manifested promises are upon you and I as individuals and us as one collective body for 2012 here's what this means...

We now know for certain we've been released to walk free from bondage and guilt. We are free from the confinements of pains, doubts and insecurities...Because we KNOW there are NO restrictive passage ways, the restraints on our faith can no longer suppress Gods manifested promise. We give up on unbelief. We surrender to God everything that we are and all within us that HE may do the increase. There's no more emotional strain because WE ARE released AND FREE!!!

I like the definition that says to release is a grant of permission, as to publish or use...Now that we've been freed, now that we've released and been released, we NOW get to use what we gave (released) to God.

Don't you know that what we release to Him He also grants permission for us to use what's released for our good, for His benefits FOR US?

What do you do once your faith has been increased...well, NOW Gods going to test it, try it that you and I may use it and prove that just a little faith can turn into much and be USED for a great work.  And we know this because the definitions continue by saying that what we gave to God is the releasing of something for publication, God expects performance, and He expects us to use it!

So we come to the place where we glory in the presence of the Lord, trusting Him with our new Abraham faith. We trust God enough to rest in Him. The word says come all ye that labor and I WILL give you rest.  So release YOU to HIM, the true and living God then rest in His arms while He works in, through and even on you because following rest comes relief. 

Let's be clear and get clear that we can't release and not expect rest and rest but not expect relief.

According to Webster's online dictionary relief is: alleviation, ease, or deliverance through the removal of pain, distress, oppression, a means or thing that relieves pain, distress, anxiety, etc. Rest does this. Relief is money, food, or other help given to those in poverty or need.

Isn't it amazing that when we release our faith and rest in God He gives us a much needed break from worry and anxiety AND He takes care of all our needs? He makes provision. There is not only the comfort of being held by the Master but also relief to receive that which we can NOT do for ourselves. In our weakness HE is made strong! Releasing and resting is us giving God permission to step in, be ruler over everything concerning us, receiving all He desires for us.

Isn't that promise manifested???

The definitions continue saying relief is something affording a pleasing change, as from monotony.

So no more mediocrity---just getting by with mustard seed but we welcome the challenge of doing something different and being changed in the process. 

Relief is also release from a post of duty, as by the arrival of a substitute or replacement. Did you hear this? Where we were we can no longer be. We tried being in control but we no longer have to wear Gods hat. We learned last year that we couldn't fix a bunch of things anyway so why worry. Which simple says relieve yourself from doing Gods job ---do an exchange, trade places --- get out of His seat --- stand down and let God resume His post, you know, HIS position 

And I love the definition which says relief is a distinct or abrupt change in mood, scene, action, etc., resulting in a reduction of intensity. Which takes us back to our focus scripture:  Matthew 11:28

 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.

We ALL have to work and do you know that to release is also to work because it is an action, you literally have to do something and we all know doing can be exhaustive which is why we rest in God, expecting relief from our labor! Although, it does not mean we don't work at all but we work with less pressure and not as pilot but as the plane – the vessel being operated by the pilot – the pilot being God.

May you release, rest and receive relief that Gods purpose be fulfilled in your life and you walk, entering into the promise, possessing lands flowing with milk and honey!

Faith and increase! Trust God!

PRAYER:  My Father and strong God, I pray peace among the nations that we release our will, desires, dreams, focus, anxiety – EVERYTHING we are and all we hope to be into your hands that you provide us with rest and every tool necessary to run the race, not grow weary in the process, trusting you to increase us in every way.  We thank you in advance for fulfilling the purpose and plan for our lives.  We glory in your presence with a spirit of great expectation.  In Jesus Name, Amen

Faith and Increase through works

Many of us say we desire God's blessing or that we aspire to live according to God’s plan and purpose for our lives but we are not willing to totally surrender.  Even when we do surrender to God we are standoffish in allowing God to use us completely and totally for His purpose.

As we enter into 2012, I encourage you to submit your will to the perfect will of God…Be available!

PRAYER: God of love, maker of all things, it is my desire to be the earthly vessel that you have designed to fulfill the purpose for which you have created me.  I pray for strength and courage as I walk with purpose.  Use me as a light and servant to draw others to your love, healing, deliverance and kindness.  Use me to be my brother and my sisters keeper as I encourage them to live a life pleasing and acceptable according to your word by living as your word says I ought.  Lord, use me to stand in the gap for those who are burdened, lost and of a low countenance.  Use me to feed the hungry, cloth the naked, assist the elderly and to teach the children.  Use the gifts you imparted in me to stir up gifts in others.  In the process of using me, Lord, I pray to be made better, to be made whole, to remain humble and faithful that you may do the increase in my life and in the lives of others. In Jesus name, Amen

Early Rise With God on My Mind...

Greetings!

Welcome to a new beginning with Wednesday Morning Worship & Word

Charged to change and grow spiritually, a group of nine women came together for daily prayer commencing January 2011. After more than eighteen months of early morning prayer men from all over the country joined this group of praying women which grew from eight locals from Maryland to more than a hundred women from all over the country.  

December 5, 2012 concluded a two year prayer call that took place 7 days a week with participants from all over the USA such as; MD, DC, VA, NC, SC, GA, NJ, NY, OR, WA, FL, AZ, LA, OK, CA, DE, WI as well as many other places. People even called in from Canada and Japan. These times of praying together, fellowship, worship, studying the word and reflecting on that word led to physical, emotional, mental healing, growth to the body of Christ as well as spiritual growth and increased faith.

 

God is not done and neither are we.  Feel free to join us weekly via conference call, every Wednesday morning for Worship & Word.

 

EVERY WEDNESDAY

TIME: 6AM EST

DIAL: 605.562.3000

CODE: 223212#

 

Email prayer request to: stacie.jwhitaker@gmail.com

Feel free to invite others to join the call

***This is an international call -- Eastern Standard Time

SCRIPTURE:  
Give ear to my words, O Lord,
Consider my meditation.
Give heed to the voice of my cry,
My King and my God,
For to You I will pray.
My voice You shall hear in the morning,
O Lord;
In the morning I will direct it to You,
And I will look up

Psalm 5:1-3

PRAYER:  Father God, it is I, your child.  I am desirous to sit in your presence.  I only ask that you incline your ear to hear the very heart of me at this precise moment. Here I am Lord.  Early I rise seeking your guidance.  I am in need of more of you.  Hear thy servants prayer, In Jesus name, Amen

2012 Declarations...

I decree and declare, this is the year of increased faith

I decree and declare, increased works due to increased faith

I decree and declare, this is the year of mended families

I decree and declare, this is the year of clarity

I decree and declare, this is the year of healing of the mind, body & spirit

I decree and declare, this is the year of peace

I decree and declare, this is the year of restoration of marriages

I decree and declare, this is the year of confidence

I decree and declare, this is the year of revival for communities

I decree and declare, this is the year of unity

I decree and declare, this is the year liberty from all forms of bondage

I decree and declare, this is the year we collectively serve the enemy notice

I decree and declare, this is the year we reclaim our children

I decree and declare, this is the year we TRULY walk by faith and NOT by sight

I decree and declare, this is the year of excellent stewardship

I decree and declare, this is the year of humility

I decree and declare, this is the year of intimate relationship with God

I decree and declare, churches recovered from persecution & poor leadership

I decree and declare, this is the year of Holy boldness

I decree and declare, an outpour of God’s spirit for a new era of Holy leadership

Decree and declare increase over everything in your life, BUT know this, YOU must be willing to do the work necessary for manifestation…so fast, pray, cry and then GET TO WORK!!!

PRAYER:  Most Holy & Loving God, now that mustard seed faith has developed, I seek your face for increase regarding my faith that I may be able to do those things which you have called, purposed, designed, ordained and created me to do according to your will.  Lord I pray for the courage and boldness to walk out my life with purpose and I release any and all unrest, uncertainty, fear and doubt into your hands.  Lord, speak to my heart and order our steps that I walk in faith living according to the mandates of your word.  In Jesus name, Amen

THE NEW MONTHLY MEET UP 2012

Welcome to the 2^nd Year of our Monthly Meet Up

The Meet Up is an opportunity to enjoy fellowship with like-minded women and NOW men.  During our time together we pray, share and enjoy food, sustenance, music, poetry, and discuss the book of the month with topics ranging from but not limited to; being single, marriage, family, physical and mental health, sex, finances, buying a home and various other topics that impact and affect our daily living.  The objective is to provide support and encouragement through fellowship and discussion.  Being whole is the goal; Mind, Body and Spirit! 

As of June 2012 The Women's Monthly Meet Up will combine with ZOE's Ministries for the 2nd half of 2012 and will be open to men unless otherwise indicated below.  Please see below for updates to schedule, location & times. These opportunities to come together are FREE unless otherwise indicated below. 

SCHEDULE UPDATE:
DATE: June 23^rd
TIME: 2PM - 4PM (Come early (1pm) for the breaking of bread AKA Good food)
LOCATION: 6300 Harford Rd. Baltimore, MD 21214 ~ Bethesda United Methodist
BOOK OF THE MONTH: Finding Your Glasses: Revealing & Achieving Authentic Success
– By: Justin Jones-Fosu ~ Learn more & purchase book: http://www.justininspires.com/
Justin Jones-Fosu will facilitate our discussion as special guest author of the month -- Don't miss it!

SPECIAL TREAT FOR JULY!!!
Join us for the powerful "LifePurpose, Fulfillment Conference" featuring Dr. Allen Barham Sr., Wayne Walsh, Victoria Poller, Dr. Cecelia Bakare & Stacie J Whitaker-Harris
DATE: July 28^th
TIME: 9AM - 5PM
LOCATION: 221 International Circle, Hunt Valley MD 21030
REGISTER: http://www.gomastertheday.com/id67.html
BOOK OF THE MONTH: Doors – By: Dr. Karen S. Bethea  
Learn more & purchase book: http://karensbetheaministries.org/

There is a fee for the LifePurpose, Fulfillment Conference. This is an opportunity you don't want to miss. Come with expectation! Sign up early ~ Seating limited

SURPRISE FOR EVERY ATTENDEE!!!
DATE: August 25^th
TIME: 2PM - 4PM (Come early (1pm) for the breaking of bread AKA Good food)
LOCATION: 6300 Harford Rd. Baltimore, MD 21214 ~ Bethesda United Methodist
BOOK OF THE MONTH: Hell & Heaven at 8 ~ By: Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris

Learn more & purchase book: http://www.2embraceme.blogspot.com/2012/05/i-believe-in-you.html

Poet, Author, Vocalist & Inspirationalist, Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris will facilitate our discussion as special guest author of the month -- Don't miss it & a treat the rest of the world awaits but you'll see first and experience first hand!


DATE: September 22^nd
TIME: TBA
LOCATION: TBA
BOOK OF THE MONTH: Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth ~ By: T Harv Eker
Learn more & purchase book: http://www.harveker.com/ or http://www.amazon.com/


DATE: October 27^th
TIME: TBA
LOCATION: TBA
MOVIE NIGHT: Details Forthcoming


DATE: November 24^th – (This is my Birthday weekend)
TIME: TBA
LOCATION: TBA
MUSIC NIGHT – Celebration of Life – Details Forthcoming

DATE: December 15^th
TIME: TBA
LOCATION: TBA
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION: A Look Back ~ Details Forthcoming

For more information or to RSVP email GodsGiftLLC@gmail.com Include the month & date(s) you plan to attend as well as the number of guest you intend to bring.




PRIOR MEET UP DATES & BOM'S:
January 28^th – The Dream Giver – Bruce Wilkinson
Learn more about the author: http://brucewilkinson.com/

February 25^th – Excuses Be Gone – By: Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
Learn more about the author: http://www.drwaynedyer.com/

March 24^th – I’m Too Cute to Sweat – By: Charles Harris III
Learn more about author: http://www.chizelit.com/

April 28^th – How I flat lined and woke up in 45 days: Guide to Empowered Living
– By: Cheryl Wood
Learn more about author: http://www.momsrthebest.net/p/book.html

May 26^th – Black Woman Redefined – By: Sophia A. Nelson
Learn more or purchase book: http://www.sophiaanelson.com/

FYI: Jump-start your day with prayer, Sunday – Saturday 7am EST via conference call!
Be restored, refreshed, renewed, revived &  strengthened with this powerful call. 

Dial: 605.562.3000
Code:  223212#

PRAYER:  Most Holy & Loving God, now that mustard seed faith has developed, I seek your face for increase regarding my faith that I may be able to do those things which you have called, purposed, designed, ordained and created me to do according to your will.  Lord I pray for the courage and boldness to walk out my life with purpose and I release any and all unrest, uncertainty, fear and doubt into your hands.  Lord, speak to my heart and order my steps that I may walk in faith living according to the mandates of your word.  In Jesus name, Amen

End of the year celebration

What more could I ask for...

This year has been simply amazing!  I have loved, lost, gained new friends, my family expanded, dreams came to fruition, fears faded, faith increased, focus improved and my territory increased in ways I could not imagine it would.

The journey began with the introduction of The Embracing Me Project, starting with the 2 Embrace Me blog site in January 2011.  In February the 9th Annual "Living the Legacy of our mother" celebration yielded much fruit and healing.  March we lost one of our precious gifts, my middle sister Karen D. Jones.  April was challenging as we dealt with the prior months grief and loss while preparing for the birth of "The Whitaker Book of Poetry", a compilation of poems written by me and my family (brothers, sister and seven oldest of my mother’s grandchildren).  We did this in honor of our mother the late Barbara A. Whitaker-Jones.  In May we released "The Whitaker Book of Poetry" during our 1st Annual Family and Friends Day in conjunction with my church's (The Emmanuel Church, Bishop Durant K. Harvin III) Women's Day Celebration. June, July and August we traveled from the east to the west coast showcasing "The Whitaker Book of Poetry", book signings, book readings and workshops.  Finally for the remaining four months of the year I have been in preparation to release a second portion of The Embracing Me Project which is the first in the four book Embracing Me memoir series titled "Hell & Heaven at 8". 

Every day since January 2, 2011 I had the blessed privilege of hosting and facilitating a Women's early Morning Prayer call and sharing in monthly meet-up (fellowship) opportunities.  Sometime during the month of September the prayer call opened up and both men and women from all across the United States as well as in other countries such as Japan have called in for our time of prayer and meditation.  God has moved mightily, healing, restoring and uplifting all who share in this time of prayer.

For this final month of 2011, we will conclude our monthly fellowship as a celebration for women, men and families -- but much like the month of November, this is no ordinary celebration.  Here in December we will celebrate the birth of book I "Hell & Heaven at 8" with a private reception, book reading and book signing in my home.

 - WHEN: December 17, 2011

 - TIME:   5PM - 9PM

All other details will be emailed in a separate invitation.  If you do not have email and wish to share in this celebration please email me at GODSGIFTLLC@GMAIL.COM

May God continue to be your source, guiding light and strength as we conclude one year and EMBRACE an entirely new experience in 2012!

NOT an ordinary monthly meet up

I'm a turkey baby -- November 24th is my Birthday and since my birthday fell on Thanksgiving this year I decided I would extend my Thanksgiving celebration into the weekend with a Day-long Open House Birthday Extravaganza.  Be prepared to enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or after hours jazz set.

Choose a time from the schedule below and come celebrate with me. This is open to families which includes our men. (Fathers, husbands, brothers etc)

Schedule as follows:
9am – 11am – Enjoy Breakfast
11:30am – 1:30pm Enjoy Brunch (shift between breakfast & lunch)
2pm – 4pm Enjoy Lunch
5pm – 8pm Enjoy Dinner
9pm – 1am Enjoy Assorted Desserts, Coffees, Teas, Juices and Wine

The entire day will consist of a variety of foods.  Menu will not be disclosed in advance…come knowing you are in for a real treat!

This day of celebration is open to women, men, boys and girls – essentially FAMILY & FRIENDS (except the afterhours 9pm – 1am portion of the celebration - no children allowed)

For those interested in bringing gifts please consider bringing desserts, juice, soda or wine.  Other than that, YOU are my gift. 

It's just around the corner and I apologize if you have not received your invitation or if I inadvertently left you off the guest list but as you can imagine...I LOVE SOOOO many...that's everybody including YOU!

For more information email me: stacie.jharris@yahoo.com

I am the tree

Jeremiah 17:8 – For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, that spreadeth out its roots by the river, and shall not fear when heat cometh, but its leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall close from yielding fruit.

Psalm 1:3 reads it this way – And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that bringeth forth its fruit in its season.  Whose leaf also doth not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Have you ever taken a moment, I mean a real opportunity to stare at, to study, to mull over the design, structure, stature, shape and size, colors and strength of tress.  If you studied them you will notice no matter the season they are always in the same upright position.  I believe we could stand to learn a lesson from the trees today and always.

No matter how hard the winds blow, some trees bend but they keep their branches (I like to call them arms), they keep their branches in one of the most vulnerable positions – raised, giving honor and reverence to the Creator of all.  They always provide the example of how we ought stand – in submission, humbled before God.  Jeremiah says the trees stand, unafraid of heat when it comes — the trees remain upright and resolute with no care for the season of drought.  And Psalms says it brings forth fruit in ITS season, its leaves do NOT wither and all that the tree does prospers. 

Here is how I see us as trees and I pray that every eye that reads this post also visualizes and sees themselves as trees:

No matter the season, winter, spring, summer or fall, the tree is fixed and unyielding.  The tree remains humble, faithful and submitted always giving God His just do—Reverence.  The wind blows, torrential rains pour, ice, sleet snow, the branches may even grow heavy and weak but it is assured that the season will change.  The tree is assured the sun will shine again.  Leaves blow off at one time of year but still the tree remains unmovable – it is grounded and does not fear its loss because of certainty that it will again prosper and grow.  Again it bends but it does not break and always stands again honoring God.

So I say to you today, be the tree.  Stay grounded and rooted in God, with the spirit of God, in the word of God with your arms raised in submission giving reverence to the Lord of the Heavens and earth remembering that in YOUR SEASON you shall prosper – you shall bear fruit.  You will shed and lose something’s but there is much to gain in being like the tree:

-         Grounded & Rooted

-         Raised arms Worshipping

-         Prosperous bearing fruit

Notice this; it’s rare to see a tree uprooted right?  When it is unearthed, that happens as a result of the roots getting weak – NOT being grounded/stable.  But for the trees that are rooted and are not afraid to bend (be flexible) with each change in seasons, they always rise again more vibrant than before, unwavering.

So again I say stay rooted in your faith.  Remain steadfast in your trust and hope in the miraculous wonders of God.  Stand your ground.  Don’t be afraid when the enemy comes knocking.  God always shields and protects His trees so yield to the move of God.  Be flexible, humble and submitted knowing that in YOUR season you will bear fruit again.  Say, “I am the tree”.

Reflection of the Morning

Here we are on the 14th day of the eleventh month.  Five days ago we celebrated my baby brothers 33rd birthday.  In three days my oldest daughter will be 19 and in seven days my baby, my cousin Derek, will celebrate another year of life.  Eight days from now my baby sister will turn 32, while I am just ten days away from my 36th birthday.  My how time flies!

With the hustle and bustle of everyday life it’s easy to get so wrapped up in monotonous routines that we miss just plain old living.  This morning’s meditation given by Makini Henson came from Ecclesiastes 8:15 during our 7am prayer call which said that we should take time to eat, drink and be merry!  In other words, enjoy the air you breath – actually think about the breath – feel it – immerse yourself in the breath as it engages with your soul.  Go out and enjoy the earths beautiful landscape with all its vibrant colors and the array of shapes and sizes.  Smile just as much on the inside as you do on the outside allowing your body to accept and let loose your inner child.  Run, jump and skip.  Play ring-around-the-rosey or duck, duck goose.  Go dancing, skating or grab your hoola-hoop.  When you eat, don't inhale your food as you are accustomed to doing – as most of us eat but never take time to savor every flavorful bite.  Do not gulp your water, apple juice or soda but take slow sips allowing your tongue to absorb the liquids particle by particle.

Whether you sit still, go for a walk, play video games or read your favorite book, just for a moment do it not as ritual or task but see the beauty and satisfaction in it.  Make time to enjoy absolutely nothing sometimes and everything at the same time.  It’s the smallest things that we miss when we are always rushing about to and from as time escapes us!  Life is for the living so enjoy every moment and all the things within it with deep robust, hearty laughter bringing you to a place of sheer fulfillment and contentment!

Happy Monday!

Thankful for Life...

Since January of this year we embraced monthly fellowship with like-minded women, enjoyed great food and open discussion on topics ranging from but not limited to; being single, marriage, family, love, sex, domestic violence and various other topics that impact our lives daily. 

Although the snow impeded our ability to meet for the month of October, NOTHING will keep my doors shut for our gathering set for November 26, 2011, as this month we celebrate 36 years of life for yours truly. 

I'm a turkey baby -- November 24th is my Birthday and since my birthday fell on Thanksgiving this year I decided I would extend my Thanksgiving celebration into the weekend with a Day-long Open House Birthday Extravaganza.  Be prepared to enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or after hours jazz set.

Choose a time from the schedule below and come celebrate with me. This is open to families which includes our men. (Fathers, husbands, brothers etc.)

Schedule as follows:
9am – 11am – Enjoy Breakfast
11:30am – 1:30pm Enjoy Brunch (shift between breakfast & lunch)
2pm – 4pm Enjoy Lunch
5pm – 8pm Enjoy Dinner
9pm – 1am Enjoy Assorted Desserts, Coffees, Teas, Juices and Wine

The entire day will consist of a variety of foods.  Menu will not be disclosed in advance…come knowing you are in for a real treat!

This day of celebration is open to women, men, boys and girls – essentially FAMILY & FRIENDS (except the afterhours 9pm – 1am portion of the celebration - no children allowed)

For those interested in bringing gifts please consider bringing desserts, juice, soda or wine.  Other than that, YOU are my gift.

SAVE THE DATE: Dec 17th – Final Meet Up of 2011/End of the year celebration

Women's Meet Up for October

Women's Monthly Meet Up is an opportunity to enjoy fellowship with like-minded women.  You can expect to 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.  Prayer always available

Being whole is the goal...Mind, Body and Spirit! 
Join us for the next "Women's Meet Up":
Saturday, October 29, 2011, 5pm - 7pm
THERE IS NO BOOK FOR THIS MONTH RSVP by Thursday, October 27, 2011 to:  stacie.jharris@yahoo.com  See you there!
Be amongst the first ten Women to arrive and receive special gift!!!

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

Meeting Date             Book of the Month                      Author
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
(This is my Birthday weekend - I'm a turkey baby Nov 24th)
Enjoy an all-day open house with the guest of honor, Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris

Schedule as follows:
9am – 11am – Enjoy Breakfast
11:30am – 1:30pm Enjoy Brunch (the shift between breakfast and lunch)
2pm – 4pm Enjoy Lunch
5pm – 8pm Enjoy Dinner
9pm – 1am Enjoy Assorted Desserts, Coffees, Teas, Juices and Wine

The entire day will consist of a variety of foods.  Menu will not be disclosed in advance…come knowing you are in for a real treat!

This day of celebration is open to women, men, boys and girls – essentially FAMILY & FRIENDS (except the afterhours 9pm – 1am portion of the celebration)

My favorite part will be the expressions on YOUR faces as I share an incredibly special gift that no one else will have. 

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

September 24^th – The Audacity to Hope By President Barak Obama

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 upsAlso, 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#. 

Thought of Today

Typically you would expect me to come with some rhythmic, thematic poem, a melodic song or a bible verse that somehow relates to my life but today I simply share what’s in my heart and on my mind. 

It may or may not make sense.  I t may or may not inspire.  It may or may not rhyme but today I simply share my voice in a deeply connected disconnected, functionally dysfunctional transparent and a most ironically sincere way.

The last four years of my life have yielded reflections of agony, torment, un-forgiveness, bitterness, loneliness and lowliness.  I’ve worn a smile to cover some of my deepest issues and pains.  I tried loving myself more and often finding that my actions were no reflection of what I thought.  I tried to hide my outward appearance because for too long, far too many others judged the pages never reading the content…they simply made inferences based on the cover.

There was a period in time when I decided to be someone else or maybe there were several periods where I concealed my identity with anger, make-up, smiles, glittery jewels, business suits, loving others more than myself and trying way too hard to please way to many people.  As I write these words I am literally having a flashback to the days before I married my now ex-husband.  Who was I to love him more than I loved myself?  Who was I to allow him to project his thoughts and feelings on me?  Who was I to try and get him to love me for me?  Why did I work so hard to please him?

Honestly, I was an insecure, easily guided and certainly misguided young woman who lacked confidence and an understanding of self.  As I walked outside today, I learned that the more I learn the more I realize I still have so much to learn.  Why rush growing up when really in essence you are growing up all your life.  Why try to fall in love when love is always in the atmosphere waiting to infect a heart or two.  Why be so eager to solve someone else’s issues when you have yet to grasp your own?

So today, Stacie told Stacie:

1.       Live up to your own expectations

2.      Be kind, not because you are forced to but because much like love, kindness flows through the air waiting to infect

3.      Love yourself with a deep, passionate, conviction that out last the love of another; for when you master this love, true love will meet you in the air, infecting every area of your being

4.      Open your mind to something new day by day, moment by moment

And these are my thoughts for this day…

“Only in love are unity and duality not in conflict”

– Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941); poet, playwright, essayist