Complete Women Fellowship

During the month of April, the Complete Women Fellowship will open to men each Wednesday, 9pm EST, as this series will discuss "$PIRITUAL MONEY"...how to get it, keep it and what to do with it once you have it!!!

For more information and to register: http://www.thecompletewomenfellowship.com/

Your thoughts and behaviors about, regarding and towards money will never be the same!!!

Eyes dripping with tears...

My tears fall profusely this morning but its not what you think.  My heart is in tack! My mind is in tack! My body is in tack! My relationships are in tack! My household is in tack! My children are in tack!

Well, why then do my eyes drip with tears this morning? Simply because I rose to see another day and was reminded that God loves me! My delight is in the Lord this morning. 

I consider the fact that twenty years ago the doctors gave me a grim report saying they had done all they can but I trusted in a God who is not like man.  I believed the report of the Lord over, above and beyond what men could speak and do.  I trusted God enough to release (surrender) my body to Him.  I believed God enough to rest (trust) in Him.  I even did so expecting God for relief (provision) to do what only He could do.  So as I reflect this morning I can say with my whole heart that God has been better to me than I've been to myself and its NOT a cliche for me.  I can say the Lord loves me, covers me, keeps me, protects me, shields me,  prunes me, corrects me, lifts me and even leaves room for me to turn my heart towards Him when everything at times faints within me.  The Lord is my rock and so this morning I am crying because I am grateful, grateful not only for what God has done but simply because who He is and He is the word of life. God is LOVE, absolute love!

PRAYER:

God, Lord of all, Giver of life, thank you for loving me.  Thank you for keeping my mind, body, spirit and considering my soul.  Lord thank you for breathing on me today.  Thank you O' Lord for reshaping my thoughts so I can see me as you see me.  Lord thank you for looking beyond my faults.  Thank you for breaking my flesh and even my spirit so that you can get out of me what you desire.  Lord you are the Father of all and I am simply grateful for you just being you.  Now Lord for the eye who reads, for the ones who are not in a place to understand how deep your love runs, for those who are not able to see that they are wonderfully and beautifully made, Lord I pray that you will send Angels to encamp around them.  Release them from self destruction.  Speak into their spirits.  Change their minds and renew them daily.  Let not their hearts be troubled but bring them to a place of peace.  Thank you for hearing these petitions and cries, In Jesus Name I do pray, Amen

SCRIPTURE: "Trust in Him at all times; pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge" ~ Psalm 62:8

The Daily Routine

Quite often we wake up, take our next breath, rub our eyes, swing our legs over the edge of the bed, whisper prayers into the atmosphere asking God to give us strength to make it through the day, rise from the bed, walk to the bathroom, brush out teeth, take a shower, clothe ourselves, begin making list for the days "must do" things, pack lunches for the children, fix breakfast, eat and then we move about the rest of the day going from task to task.  Some many things need to be done and we do as much as we can for that day and leave the rest for the next day.

Many of us have a similar routine with our spiritual lives.  We go to church each week, pray on a daily basis, attend bible study, read the scriptures, we are diligent to be kind to our neighbors, we say we love God, we feed the hungry and give shelter to those in need but somehow we have become so immersed in the culture and routine of doing God's work that we forget we ARE God's work.  The routine is not what God desires.  He does want us to be diligent in all we do but we must often search our hearts to see if we have grown complacent.  Yes, all these things are important but it is equally important to expect God to perform miraculously in your life and in the lives of others.  We are so caught in routine that we don't even look for God to do something new.  We are now looking for God to heal.  We are not expecting restoration in our families.  Many of us aren't even sure if we believe because it appears things in our lives are not changing or getting better. 

I encourage you to search not only your heart but pay close attention to the things that you are thinking.  What are you saying to yourself?  What do you believe? Are you going along day by day in the daily routine because it appears that is the thing you should be doing?

Know this, the Lord did something wonderful when He created you! Walk not in the routine but as the work of God in the spirit of God which is love.  He redeemed you and thus, you are no longer the same.  Expect God's divine power to work in you and in your life. 

PRAYER:

Lord I cry out to you asking you to search me.  Improve me God according to your word.  Help me to walk in this life trusting you, believing you are greater than my thoughts. Lord God of all keep my heart and my mind.  Purge and cleanse me. Speak Your truth into my spirit. Help me to keep my eyes on you. Lord I desire to walk in love and peace not because the world says but because of who you are.  I do not desire to please the hearts of men and women.  I do not seek their approval. I do not desire to walk around in this life in a fog.  Take away monotonous routine and allow me to be immersed in you.  Redeem my soul.  Lord mighty are the works of your hands.  Lord get the glory out of my life.  Allow me to do as you say without fear and doubt but in a Holy boldness and confidence of who You are in me. Thank you for your mercy. In Jesus Name I do pray, Amen

Psalm 26

Vindicate me, O Lord,

For I have walked in my integrity

I have also trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip

Examine me O, Lord, and prove me;

Try my mind and my heart.

For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes,

And I have walked in Your truth. 

I have not sat with idolatrous mortals,

Nor will I go in with hypocrites. 

I have hated the assembly of evildoers,

And will not sit with the wicked. 

I will wash my hands in innocence;

So I will go about Your altar, O Lord,

That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving,

And tell of all Your wondrous works,

Lord, I have loved the habitation of Your house, 

And the place where Your glory dwells, 

Do no gather my soul with sinners, 

Nor my life with bloodthirsty men,

In whose hands is a sinister scheme,

And whose right hand is full of bribes.

But as for me, I will walk in my integrity:

Redeem me and be merciful to me. 

My food stands in an even place

In the congregation I will bless the Lord 

Rejoice as an overcomer

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God I bless you for life, peace, health and strength.  Thank you for coming to my rescue.  Thank you for changing my heart.  Thank you for giving me a brand new life.  Lord I rejoice in you.  I have the victory because of who you are.  Lord bless the head, hands, heart and mind of your servant.  Thank you for being my strength in times of weakness.  Thank you for loving me despite my faults and flaws.  I lean on you and trust that you shall not waver but that you will remain the beginning and the end, the alpha and omega.  God you are my all. Thank you for an inheritance and for all your promises. In Jesus Name, Amen

 

Psalm 28

To You I will cry, O Lord my Rock;

Do not be silent to me,

Lest, if You are silent to me,

I become like those who go down to the pit.

Hear the voice of my supplications

When I cry to You,

When I lift my hands toward Your holy sanctuary

Do not take me away with the wicked

And with the workers of iniquity,

Who speak peace to their neighbors,

but evil is in their hearts.

Give them according to their deeds,

And according to the wickedness of their endeavors

Give them according to the work of their hands

Render to them what they deserve.

Because they do not regard the works of the Lord

Nor the operation of His hands

He shall destroy them and not build them up

Blessed be the lord,

Because He has heard the voice of my supplications!

The Lord is my strength and my shield;

My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped'

Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,

And with my song I will praise Him

The Lord is their strength

And He is the saving refuge of His anointed

Save Your people, And bless Your inheritance

Shepherd them also, And bear them up forever.

Half Way Point

Most of us have two eyes, two ears,two lips, two hands, two arms, two legs and two feet.  When ever one part moves the other parts must follow.  For example, let's take a look at our eyes.  How many of us can make one stay completely still while sending the other to look in another direction.  Ok, let's say someone may be able but most are not capable of doing so.

Now, let us consider our legs. How many of us can walk with one leg going forward and the other leg remain in place.  It's rather difficult to move forward and stand still at the same time.

From time to time I sit thinking about where I am, where I have come from and where I desire to go.  I wonder if I am on the right path to reaching my expected end.  I consider how I arrived to the place where I am and in thinking, all I can say is thank God for using all my parts, for giving me all the tools (signs) I need to grow and be successful while keeping Him as the foundation for all that I do.

As we journey through life there are many roads. Some made of dirt, some gravel, some are smooth, some rocky.  There are some with green lights and some with stop signs.  Every now and again we come to roads with blocks or detour signs.  Pay attention to the signs and don't be afraid to change roads when the signs say to do so.  Don't get agitated or frustrated, for the signs are just Gods way of guiding your steps.

Consider where you are and where you desire to go and remember this, taking one step puts us at the half way point but staying with both feet in the same space keeps you stagnant...while each step places us closer to

You will always have opportunities for growth and there will always be challenges as you grow but keep going anyway!

"Your success does not depend on who you are but rather, what you are willing to become"

~ Kirsten McKay Smith

ENCOURAGING SCRIPTURE:

And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise

~ Hebrews 6:15

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus

~ Philippians 3:12-14

Get wisdom! Get understanding...and in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her, She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you...when you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble.

~ Proverbs 4:5-12

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Our Lord and our God, thank you for ordering our footsteps and for directing our paths.  Helps us to yield to you in everything we do.  Grant us peace, rest and the necessary provisions as we travel along this journey called life.  Help us not to be stubborn.  Give us strength to endure, In Jesus name, Amen

LIFEBOOK 2012

LIFEBOOK 2012 ~ Shared by Brother LaMarr D. Shields, President of Urban Leadership Institute

Health
1. Drink plenty of water
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants, and eat less food that is manufactured in plants
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy
5. Make time for prayer
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2011
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day ---- and while you walk, smile

Personality: 11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do ; keep your limits
14. Don't take yourself so seriously ; no one else does
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more
24. You don't have to win every argument.. Agree to disagree.

Community: 25. Call your family often
26. Each day give something good to others
27. Forgive everyone for everything
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day
30. What other people think of you is none of your business
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.

Life: 32. Do the right things
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful
34. GOD heals everything
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up
37. The best is yet to come
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy!

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase"

~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Hell & Heaven at 8 (New Reviews)

Hell & Heaven at 8

By: Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris

Purchase your book today for $14.95 by clicking the link below

Review testimonials of women and men whose lives changed after reading "Hell & Heaven at 8".

TESTIMONIAL 1:

You spoke to me and my colleagues at  CCBC Essex about your book "Hell & Heaven at 8" & embracing ourselves. I didn't read the book right away but when I did, I read it cover to cover in less than 3hrs. It was that captivating. To think that someone so young could endure so much made me think about my own life and past experiences. From drug addictions to foster home involvement, I too could relate. Reading your story made me realize that many people relate, they just hold it in or brush it off. But they don't realize that apart of embracing yourself is embracing the bad as well as the good.

I read this thinking "Wow, I just want to meet this little girl and let her know that everything will be alright." But, I met her. And it was her who told me everything will be alright. It was her who loves herself more than anything, despite her past. And I'm grateful for such a good read and for being able to meet such a good person. I can't wait for the next installment to this series and I'm recommending it to all my friends and family. I've been inspired so I know they will be too.

Thanks again for your time and the courage to share your story.

Sincerely

Inspired of Essex, Maryland

TESTIMONIAL 2:

Hell & Heaven at 8 really helped me take a closer look at resolving my own hurts and pains. I had to look at my failed marriage again but through a different lens. Thank you

Queen of Greensboro, North Carolina

 TESTIMONIAL 3:

Bravo, Stacie. You have gone to great lengths to revealingly and documenting the abuse and suffering of your childhood. You have done a great job writing of the difficulties which have shaped your life. I applaud you for being so candid. This has happened in too many homes throughout the U.S. I think you represent the forthright and dedicated leadership that Dr. King felt was needed to lead coming generations. I thank you for sharing your experiences in early life and applaud your discovery of God who is there to guide you.

Thank you,

Harriet Stulman, Board Member of INNterim Housing Corporation

 TESTIMONIAL 4:

Hell & Heaven at 8 is a wonderfully intriguing story.  I love how the father's wrote letters.  They acted as a way to make amends demonstrating the love of the father. Its amazing how you went through what you did with your family but hold no resentment, using your past experiences to inspire others.  The book also says its okay to tell the truth about yourself because the truth sets you free.

Mr. Hargrove of Middle River, Maryland 

TESTIMONIAL 5:

Ms. Stacie, thank you for sharing your story.  It really let me see that no matter what comes our way we can persevere.  I have always felt alone like no one understood me because I was quiet.  Well its because I have been in foster care. I have been treated bad, even abused which isn't easy to admit.  I now feel ready to share my story to help other foster care kids. Thanks again.

Scott of Owings Mills, Maryland

TESTIMONIAL 6:

Dear Ms. Harris, it was a pleasure meeting you face to face. Your story really touched my heart. Reading it now helps me understand your passion and commitment to helping others. I thank God for you! Keep doing what you are doing knowing, with God all things are possible.

Mrs. Henson of Baltimore, Maryland

TESTIMONIAL 7:

Amazing how the entire "Hell & Heaven at 8" story has a lot of teaching in the book. It took me back to my childhood and other areas in my life. It's awesome, especially the piece about trust. Anybody young, old, man or woman can take something from it. For men as long as they can get pass their thoughts of possible bashing they will get it - they'll get the lessons.  I am not an avid reader but I read it in one sitting. Some of the stories I had to read over and over especially the introduction.  It was the concept of the apologies.  We really do have to understand the weight of our words. 

Torment makes us go crazy outside ourselves, especially men like me who try to keep the dirt hidden. Accountability is the great equalizer. Embracing me is perfect because as the story unfolds and breaks down into different pieces it helped me to embrace me. I could totally relate.  It helped me put somethings back in place within myself.  All in all, wonderful book!

Chris of Columbia, Maryland

TESTIMONIAL 8:

God kept you with purpose.  The healing of a nation is at hand ~ from the inside out!

Dr. Greene of Pikesville, Maryland

TESTIMONIAL 9:

Reading Hell and Heaven at 8 ... Opened my eyes to see how blessed I was growing up. I had a two parent home and they showed that they loved me. I was born blessed and I'm  walking in blessings daily.

Linda Mayo of Parkville, Maryland

"Embracing Me" Series Launches With "Hell & Heaven at 8"

"In order to know who you really are, In order to know the power which you possess, In order to grow, In order to live and be free, You must first be willing to embrace every moment…The days before your existence, The days when you came to be and the legacy that you will leave behind…Know thyself, Embrace who you are"  

~ Stacie J. Whitaker- Harris ~

(Baltimore, MD)— "Hell & Heaven at 8", one of four books in the Embracing Me series written by Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris, tells of her life’s journey from girlhood to womanhood while experiencing the disappointments of rape, molestation and other abuses that life serves. The story unfolds in eight-year increments, offering a glimpse into pivotal points in Harris’ life journey that have allowed her to heal, grow and embrace the woman she was created to be, using the way points as a platform for development.

According to Harris, this memoir is offered as a building block to encourage healing for women, men and families who have experienced life’s trauma and difficulties--"Unfortunately, my story is a common one, often held inside, leaving young women wounded for generations. Although the book discloses true accounts of my life, it is not to bash or tear down but rather to build". As a turn from the norm, Harris’ book intersperses letters of apology from various men of varying backgrounds and experiences who speak to Harris’ experiences along the book’s journey.

"Hell & Heaven at 8," not only shares Harris’ own poignant, painful, and victorious story, but the letters of apology dispersed throughout the series from men, serve to inspire, encourage, motivate, and direct other women to embrace healing themselves. According to Dr. Allen C. Barham Sr., "I’m confident that not only will Stacie’s personal memoir touch your heart, and prod your instincts, but you will also find one, or many, letters in the series that will strike a powerful chord within your spirit that will provoke your emotions to react. Don’t be afraid of reacting, and of acting; it’s the non-action that has kept you stuck".

Harris believes healing broken women leads to healing and restoration of broken boys, men and eventually, families and uses a combination of reflection and restoration as evident through the letters distributed throughout the text as a catalyst to promote this healing process.

Purchase your book today for $14.95 by clicking the link below

Share this information with family and friends

Thank you!!!

LOOK FOR BOOKS II - IV OF THE EMBRACING ME SERIES COMING AUGUST 2013

"16 Tears" 
"Death at 24"
"32 The Awakening"

Hidden in the Secret Place

Each morning I rise with a spirit of gratitude and my heart is filled with the expectation that God shall keep me safe from all harm.  Even when all around me appears to be out of sync and in no particular order, I trust God beyond what I can see.  I lay before the God of my salvation seeking His face, acknowledging Him in all His glory and splendor.  The atmosphere of confusion and chaos has to come in order because of the God I serve and I am NOT afraid, nor am I utterly weary having been beaten to the ground but instead, I cry out to my God knowing He will deliver me.  He will lift me up above every circumstance and ALL will know the power, strength and might of my God!

PSALM 27:
The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh,
My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell.
Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident.
One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord,
And to inquire in His temple.
For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.
And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me;
Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice!
Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. 
When You said, “Seek My face,”
My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek”
Do not hide Your face from me;
Do not turn Your servant away in anger;
You have been my help;
Do not leave me nor forsake me,
O God of my salvation.
When my father and my mother forsake me,
Then the Lord will take care of me.
Teach me Your way, O Lord,
And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries;
For false witnesses have risen against me,
And such as breathe out violence.
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
that I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.
Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!

PRAYER:
Creator of the Heavens and the earth, God of all, refiner of my soul, thank you for being my very present help in the time of trouble.  Thank you for allowing me to experience sheer joy, and peace in the presence of my enemies and my circumstances.  Thank you for shielding me from all harm.  Thank you for always standing strong when I am weak.  Thank you for building me and lifting me.  Thank you for your undying love. In Jesus Name, Amen



Stacie J. Whitaker Bio

Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris
Author, Poet, Vocalist, Inspirational Speaker,
& Mental Health Advocate

Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris is a storyteller, healer, and visionary whose work weaves together her lived experience, professional expertise, and deep-rooted faith. As a Minister of the Gospel, Author, Poet, Vocalist, Inspirational Speaker, and Mental Health Advocate, Stacie believes in the transformative power of connection, creativity, and community. Her journey—marked by resilience through trauma, loss, ACEs, and domestic violence—fuels her passion for walking alongside others as they pursue healing and wholeness.

Stacie has been blogging and sharing messages of hope and encouragement for over 15 years. Her words have reached readers in more than 60 countries, including Ghana, Brazil, Italy, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Her voice has been amplified through daily prayer calls, women’s meet-ups, conference speaking engagements, and facilitating wellness spaces for women of color. Her mission is clear: to feed the souls of those in need of healing and restoration, to create sacred spaces for growth, and to walk boldly in her purpose—to help others walk in theirs.

She is the author of Hell & Heaven at 8, co-author of The Whitaker Book of Poetry, and contributor to Permission to Feel & Heal, Strengthening Your Walk, and What Goes On In My House Stays In My House: Breaking My Silence for My Sanity. Her writing has also been featured in the Baltimore Examiner and professional publications. As a speaker, she has graced stages such as the Revolutionary Christian Literacy Conference, the University of Wisconsin-Madison BSU Leadership Conference, and Zion Oasis Empowerment Ministries.

Stacie holds a Master’s in Law with a Business Focus from Regent University and a Bachelor’s in Community Studies & Civic Engagement (Nonprofit Management) from the University of Baltimore. She currently serves as a Research Technician and Physical Activity Coach at Arizona State University and has worked as a Behavioral Health Professional. Whether through coaching, public speaking, writing, or research, Stacie is committed to helping individuals rediscover their strengths and rewrite their stories.

Proudly known as “Mom” to her three amazing adult children—her “Jewels”—and as a fur-mama to her beloved pup, Stacie lives a life rooted in faith, love, and legacy. She believes healing one woman contributes to the healing of families and generations. She was created to create and is purposed to pour back into the world—one word, one woman, one moment at a time.

  

“She welcomes the poor and helps the needy...

She is strong and is respected by the people...

She looks forward to the future with joy...

She speaks wise words and teaches others to be kind."

~ Proverbs 31: 20-26

Hell & Heaven at 8 - Embracing Me Book I

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"Embracing Me" Series Launches With
 "Hell & Heaven at 8"

"In order to know who you really are, In order to know the power which you possess, In order to grow, In order to live and be free, You must first be willing to embrace every moment…The days before your existence, The days when you came to be and the legacy that you will leave behind…Know thyself, Embrace who you are"    
~ Stacie J. Whitaker- Harris

(Baltimore, MD)— "Hell & Heaven at 8", one of four books in the Embracing Me series written by Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris, tells of her life’s journey from girlhood to womanhood while experiencing the disappointments of rape, molestation and other abuses that life serves. The story unfolds in eight-year increments, offering a glimpse into pivotal points in Harris’ life journey that have allowed her to heal, grow and embrace the woman she was created to be, using the waypoints as a platform for development.

According to Harris, this memoir is offered as a building block to encourage healing for women, men and families who have experienced life’s trauma and difficulties -- "Unfortunately, my story is a common one, often held inside, leaving young women wounded for generations. Although the book discloses true accounts of my life, it is not to bash or tear down but rather to build". As a turn from the norm, Harris’ book intersperses letters of apology from various men of varying backgrounds and experiences who speak to Harris’ experiences along the book’s journey.

"Hell & Heaven at 8," not only shares Harris’ own poignant, painful, and victorious story, but the letters of apology dispersed throughout the series from men, serve to inspire, encourage, motivate, and direct other women to embrace healing themselves. According to Dr. Allen C. Barham Sr., "I’m confident that not only will Stacie’s personal memoir touch your heart, and prod your instincts, but you will also find one, or many, letters in the series that will strike a powerful chord within your spirit that will provoke your emotions to react. Don’t be afraid of reacting, and of acting; it’s the non-action that has kept you stuck".

Harris believes healing broken women leads to healing and restoration of broken boys, men and eventually, families and uses a combination of reflection and restoration as evident through the letters distributed throughout the text as a catalyst to promote this healing process.

COMING JUNE 2015:

Embracing Me Memoir II: "16 Tears"

Embracing Me Memoir III: "Death At 24"

Embracing Me Memoir IV: "32 The Awakening"

Trusting the Authentic Voice of God

SCRIPTURE: But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things come upon you in the latter days, when you turn to the Lord your God AND obey HIS Voice for the Lord your God is a merciful God. He will NOT forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them

- Deuteronomy 4:29-31

With the first week of our new year behind us many of us have stepped up our faith. We've been studying more. We are worrying less. We have done things we would not otherwise do. We even trust ourselves more. This is a great start to a new year of promise but again we must remember that this is the year of faith and increase through works. We must remember that the old mustard seed faith won't sustain us in this new season. Ok, so these are great reminders for things we already know and have heard before so now what?

Let me encourage you to not only increase your faith so that every area of your life increases but also so that you learn to incline your ears to the very mouth of God in the midst of it all. In other words, not only trusting Gods voice but being certain and assured that it is most certainly Gods voice that you hear.

About four, almost five years ago I was living the life. Excited about my new home, my children, my education, my new heart filled with love and while I was sleep I heard "I have a husband for you". I woke up almost frantic and crazed. Although I KNEW the voice, I still looked and shook the person lying beside me with whom I'd been in a relationship with for almost three and a half years. I was irritated as if that person was the one speaking; I guess I needed to be angry with someone. See, not only had God spoke this husband thing but He expected me to resolve my relationship and start a new one with Him. I was in awe, to say the least. Why you might ask? The answer is or at least it was simple.  After all this time, I finally had someone who loved me, who listened to me and who respected me.  To top it off, we had recently bought a home together. I was angry because I couldn't believe God would allow me to enter into this agreement for the house when He knew He had a husband for me.

God told me to let Him love me and heal me. He told me not only to come out of this relationship but to spend one year loving Him, letting Him love, hold and heal me. My relationship dissolved in less than two months from the time God called me out.  It was not without hesitation, irritation, pain or second guessing that I trusted the voice of God but only with pieces of His promise. I did not release what He promised back into His care and control. In fact, I began to seek for myself, in other words I was testing Gods word "is this the husband, is this the husband, is this the husband". I questioned God, which is okay because it’s in questions that we acquire understanding but I questioned and did not trust! That's where the problem was -- in the lack of trust in God's word.

You know, even when God spoke to me in 2010 telling me to pray for a particular group of women, I was still disobedient, non-trusting and even selfish if I must be honest.  Last year when God called me again to a place of partnered prayer, which began with only one young woman and me, later expanding to over hundreds of women and eventually men joining us throughout the year, I still questioned Gods call for me to lead this prayer initiative.  My disobedience and inability to trust the one who created me sent me through unnecessary trauma.  In fact, I've been just like the children of Israel many times in my life due to lack of trust in Gods authentic voice thus I spent unnecessary time wandering in the desert in circles hoping to get to Gods promise but not listening to His voice for guidance.

A journey that should have been short lasted forty years. (Numbers 32:13 KJV - And the Lords anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the Lord, was consumed).

And now, after all this time and especially over the last year I've learned to release...totally give God back the promise of a husband, I learned that if God leads the prayer than I don’t have to do anything but be the vessel.  I learned to rest -- not worry, not seek, but be patient while in His (the Masters) loving arms all while trusting Him for relief -- in other words provision---knowing God will do and is more than able to perform that which He promised. No more wandering in the desert for me! I've had enough drought, I've been thirsty for way to long, I've had my fill of manna and now desire what God desires for me to eat, I've seen enough dirt, I've had way to many scorching days and far too many cold nights so whatever it is that the Lord has spoken it is so (2 Corinthians 1:20 KJV - For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us).

What really started this new journey of faith and trust in the authentic voice of God was Gods continued instructions which included the prayer call. After many days and nights of crying about my unworthiness and my fear of being persecuted or called a hypocrite the Lord woke me from sleep with the word Zephaniah. I repeated Zephaniah! Lord what is that? Is that even a book in the bible? I grabbed it and surely there it was!

So let me share this with you a summary regarding the book of Zephaniah:

Zephaniah talks about how repentance goes deeper than outward behavior. Zephaniah practiced the law of intuition.  He intuitively knew that real change requires more than what the leader can legislate.  He sought more than external reformation – he wanted internal transformation.  The people didn’t need to turn over a new leaf; they needed a new life. So the prophet took a risk and acted.  He began to call the Hebrews to look at their hearts, their motives, their desires, and their private lives.  He meddled – touched a chord.  He spoke to issues that needed to be addressed, issues that most leaders fear to bring up.

After reading that summary I could clearly see what God was saying to me.  He said listen, I am calling you to a place of transparency, a place of compassion, a place where you think of your sisters and brothers more highly than you regard yourself, I am calling you to be accountable to share my word, I am calling you to obedience, I am calling you to a new place, I am calling you to be transformed.

See God does not need us to do things that we are used to doing just because it feels right or because we are afraid to do anything new but God wants to change our entire lives. He wants to replace our lives with the life He promised but how can He do it without us listening to His authentic voice?

You know you are listening to the authentic voice of God when:

1. You quiet all the other voices within to hear the Lord clearly and distinctively.

2. When your inhibitions about what you've heard begins to fade. In other words, when you are not afraid of the ridicule of man you will know its God’s authentic voice AND obey

3. When things around you don't change but your perspective of them does

4. When you recognize you are no longer wandering in darkness, dirt or things of the past

5. When you see His very word unfold before your eyes

Some trust in chariots, some in horses, some in men but I trust in the word of the Lord. Whose report will YOU believe? I don't bank on man I put all my stock in God, knowing in due season I reap those things which He promised if I faint not and do it by trusting the Authentic voice of God!

God bless!  LISTEN well and know that I am praying for you!

Walk in Victory, Posses Your Destiny

Walking in victory means yielding ourselves – it means totally surrendering to God.  We securely fasten our hope and faith in Him knowing, trusting, believing God will grant the provisions necessary to bring us to HIS desired outcome for our lives.  This is called Promise.

Find below some scriptures regarding God’s promises and be encouraged, empowered, improved and enriched! Walk in victory with increased faith!

The Lord says:

-         And this is the promise that He has promised us – eternal life.
– 1 John 2:25

-         God promises salvation for not only us but our children – I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save
– Isaiah 49:25 NIV

-         God promised us forgiveness – If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness
– 1 John 1:9

-         God promises to not only forgive our sins but to remove them from us – As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us – Psalm 103:12 NKJV

-         God promises to deliver us from fear – I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears
– Psalm 34:4 NIV

-         God promises us fruit of the spirit – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

-         God promises to supply our needs, to make provision for us – And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus
– Philippians 4:19

-         God promised to give us new hearts and new desires – I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes
– Ezekiel 36:26-27

-         The Lord promises not to keep any good thing from you – For Jehovah God is our Light and our Protector.  He gives us grace and glory.  No good thing will He withhold from those who walk  along his paths
– Psalm 84:11 TLB

-         God promised to end death, sorrow and pain – He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away
– Revelation 21:4 NIV

-         Behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth. And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spoke concerning you.  All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed
– Joshua 23:14

-         My covenant I will not break, nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips
– Psalm 89:34

PRAYER:  Most Holy loving and gracious God, thank you for your promises.  I am grateful that you are kind, giving, merciful, forgiving and that you have never lied.  Thank you for the reminders that all I have suffered will come to an end.  Thank you for the reminder that because you have freed me from sin I am free.  Thank you for replacing my broken, unforgiving heart with a new one that is like yours.  Thank you for a new spirit which keeps me on the upright path to do your will. Now help me to be an agent of change.  Help me to apply what I have learned about you to my life that others may come to know you.  In Jesus name, Amen

Know that the Lord has fearfully and wonderfully made you because His works are wonderful according to Psalm 139:14

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