Crushed

Happy Sunday! May the peace of God flow to you today and always!

For the last five months I have been very quiet.  No blogs have been written. Books that were supposed to be on shelves were halted.  No projects progressed. Everything in my life was quiet.  This quiet space was not my typical "taking a moment to reflect" or "fasting, consecrating and praying". This was a forced quiet.

About eight months ago my world began to fall apart. I believe I was doing all that God wanted me to do. I was fasting, praying, studying, loving people from a pure place, being open and honest (in other words transparent), facilitating a 7 day a week morning prayer call with people from across the US, applying the word to my daily living, helping those without room and board secure a place to rest their heads - I was not only feeding people physically but I allowed God to use me as a vessel to feed and nourish the souls, minds and spirits of those wounded, weary, lost, broken, discouraged and so forth. 

No matter what I did or did not do, the time came when I felt crushed by my circumstances and forgotten by my God.  There was an unsettling deep within; a force that came and a weight that fell in my home, on my children, my finances, my relationship, my mind, my body and my spirit.  I was extremely restless. Devoid of focus, insomnia settled in. Peace searched for me as I longed for it, but peace I could not find. 

I felt like a hypocrite – one who knew the word and shared that word but seemingly placed that same fruitful word on a shelf as if it did not apply to me at that moment.  I tried holding fast to what I knew but I could not. 

This time was like none I have ever experienced. Seems the only way I can truly describe these last eight months is to say that it was like a combination of my past life experiences coming together, happening at once.  Having my mother, father and step-dad die at the same time, while I sat nursing my son who was gravely ill as an infant, caring for my daughter who was recovering from heart surgery, going through divorce while pregnant and so ill that doctors had no faith of whether I would make it through pregnancy, let alone make it to see another day...I was on my death bed -- One can only imagine the stress and fear to have this combination of things happening all at once.

Now I do not want to mislead - these things did not happen all at once but the last eight months has been LIKE having all these events that have happened in my life, happen all at once.

With severe depression taking over, my eating and sleeping regiments were off.  Electric waves began shooting through my head.  The pressure made my eyes feel like they were being squeezed out of my head.  Back aches, neck aches and constant headaches consumed me.  Then I began going through an extreme hormonal imbalance causing other issues that left me drained.

I had to do something my pride despises; I actually had to ask for help. I had to allow myself this time to be vulnerable, to trust other people, to let down my guard so that I could be treated, taken care of and healed.  What I learned AGAIN, and even more so, learned to apply is that I am not an island unto myself.

Over the last eight months I have prayed, cried, screamed, slept, wallowed, hurt deep, lost something’s and some people, acquired new friends and relationships, my family developed an even stronger bond and I have learned that I am not the savior but a human who has chosen to be a vessel by which God can operate and function through to impact other people’s lives.  I am not 100% but I woke up the last few days with my mind so fixed on God that I asked Him again, “Lord, what would you have me to do?”  The answer was nothing new, nothing super spiritual or strange.  It was a simple, “nothing” and you know what, I am okay with doing nothing right now. 

If I could encourage anyone feeling the pressures of life right now, if I could offer a word of advice it would be this: Just BE! Be love, be light, be joy-filled, be at peace, be kind, be gentle…simply BE!!!  Life will continue to have its challenges, trials, test, struggles and pains but we need to make up our minds that everything happening to us and around us is doing what it is supposed to.  So be content. Embrace every moment!

That is precisely what I have been doing – learning more and more to Embrace me…the good, the bad, the ups, the downs, the happy times and sad times, the people who come and the people who go.  All of these events and experiences that have happened over the last few months – forcing me to be quiet and listen to not only God’s authentic voice but the voice that lives deep inside of me has taught me to not take myself so seriously.  Enjoy every moment and continue on this journey of Embracing Me.

None of us are perfect and everyday in simply BEING we are BECOMING – so just BE – be grateful, be open, be responsive to that inner voice, be responsive to your bodies craving for peace, love, joy, happiness and especially the quiet moments. 

Oh, and by the way, God was never absent during this quiet time.  He was the constant when everything else was in disarray.  He was the soothing song in my spirit when I could not sing and did not want to talk.  He was the gentle warmth that wrapped me on lonely nights.  It was God who sent my living Angels to take me to doctors appointments, to pay bills for me, to cook food for me, to sit with me and cry with me, to speak a bold word of strength and encouragement, to drop by unannounced and force me to take a ride with them – God was there.  He was and still is my place of refuge, my rock, my safe place – As I did nothing but rest in Him, God nursed me and continues to fortify me. 

When you feel crushed, just let God hold you!

“We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. WE do not know what to do, but we do not give up the hope of living.  We are persecuted, but God does not leave us.  We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed.” ~ 2 Corinthians 4:8-11 NCV

 

PRAYER:

Maker of the heavens and earth, today help me to embrace every moment with gladness, contentment and a deep sense of peace knowing you are here with me. Amen

Thankful for God's Love

Great day! I pray you are well. As you go throughout the day reflect on the goodness of our Great, Mighty, Majestic and Loving God with this praise from David in Psalm 145:

I will extol You, my God, O King;
And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless You,
And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
And His greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall praise Your works to another,
And shall declare Your mighty acts.
I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty,
And on Your wondrous works.
Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts,
And I will declare Your greatness.

They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness,
And shall sing of Your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and full of compassion,
Slow to anger and great in mercy.

The Lord is good to all,
And His tender mercies are over all His works.

All Your works shall praise You, O Lord,
And Your saints shall bless You.

 

They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom,
And talk of Your power,
To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts,
And the glorious majesty of His kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.

The Lord upholds all who fall,
And raises up all who are bowed down.

The eyes of all look expectantly to You,
And You give them their food in due season.
You open Your hand
And satisfy the desire of every living thing.

The Lord is righteous in all His ways,
Gracious in all His works.

The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth.
He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He also will hear their cry and save them.
The Lord preserves all who love Him,
But all the wicked He will destroy.
My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord,
And all flesh shall bless His holy name
Forever and ever.

 

 

PRAYER:

Lord, I simply honor and bless You for being who You are! Thank You for Your great love towards me. Thank You for keeping, shielding and protecting me. Thank You for knowing exactly what I need and when. Thank You for affording me the opportunity to be reconciled into right relationship with You. Lord You alone are worthy of ALL praise. Humbly I submit these prayers of gratitude, through Christ Jesus, Amen

 

 

911...It's an emergency

 

I have been holding on to this post since September 11, 2012 and even before then but today, I sit reminiscing about 9-11-01...not merely the destruction, death and fragmented nations...I see it as a 911 call in the Spirit REALM! It remains our reminder as believers that we are called to a higher standard...called to impact the atmosphere and stop running scared from the enemy but to strategically and purposefully go at the enemy offensively utilizing every tool and weapon we have been given by God. We need to come together as ONE collective voice...as ONE collective body of believers!

SOUNDING THE ALARM FOR WARRIORS TO RISE:
 

 

I stand in agreement with you that we are strategically waging a war to take back our families, our communities, our churches, our children, our minds, our land, our finances, our territory, our nation! We are blessed, girded with the full armor of God. I pray you enjoyed a powerfully, passionate day filled with God's purpose as you answer the 911 call of the weak, wounded and weary, knowing that with God all things are possible.  

PRAYER:
Lord God, El Roi (God who sees me and cares for me), maker of heavens and the earth, hear the prayers of your child.  I stand submitted and committed to Your will.  I ask that You O'Lord stand against the enemy of my soul, contending with those things that seek to destroy me.  Lord I pray for constant reminders that You alone are Sovereign.  Help me to trust You.  Provide the necessary armor for me to be fully equipped to stand against the fiery darts of the evil one.  Help me to remain unafraid as You fight and win every battle, making me continuously a victorious and mighty conqueror.  Lord, I bless You and honor You for the gift of life. Walk with me and guide my every footstep.  Be my strength, in the name of Jesus I pray, Amen

 

Total Adoration...

Allowing the Spirit of God to move...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCRIPTURES:

 

Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness;

tremble before him, all the earth.

~ Psalm 96:9 NIV

 

 

Give to the LORD the glory he deserves!

Bring your offering and come into his presence.

Worship the LORD in all his holy splendor.

~ 1 Chronicles 16:29

 

 

PRAYER:

 

O Lord, my God, You alone are worthy of praise.

Receive our worship full and free.

May the intent of our hearts be pure as we come into Your Holy presence. 

Change us in this moment as we honor Your name and You alone!

 In Christ name Amen

My Letter To My Daddy (Poem)

Daddy,

 

You left me before I was six. My heart was torn but my mind fixed. Fixed on memories I gained. At times these same memories drive me insane but I cherish every moment...remembering your special touch.  How I wish that you were here for I miss you very much.  I smile, laugh and cry at the same time, often considering what could be.  Then reminded by God Himself, there's no need for misery. 

 

Though you will never walk me down the aisle on my wedding day, I'm honored to say you are my dad always and forever.  Time nor distance, life nor death will change that fact. So humbled with tears and now an open mind, I make a pact with self to live knowing I'm still your special girl and with that thought I can face the world.

 

Daddy, my heart and love can not be measured across time nor space.  Now I stand confident in a peaceful place.  I allow God to securely wrap His loving arms around me.  Reminded of the scripture that says, "When mother and father forsake me"...

 

See, God is the Father of all.  He's stood mighty and tall loving me even more than I could ever imagine. Giving me even more than my mind can receive and I am open to allow Him to do all I need to mend my heart from my early years of losing you.

 

No, I may not be able to have you physically present but I am grateful to have ever had you.  To know that I carry a mighty force embedded in my DNA...that DNA reminds me of my two great Father's

 

1. The Father of ALL life, God and how He majestically orchestrates life in and through every creation

 

AND

 

2. YOU, my biological Dad, Edward L. Whitaker, for without you having been, there could be no me.

 

Dad, with tears but without fears, disappointment and doubt, I recognize you will always be present so I thank God for allowing me to remember today, which would have been your fifty-eighth (58) birthday. I know I am still Daddy's little girl and I am grateful to the Lord God, strong and mighty for Him being my ultimate Father but it does not mean that I don't miss you, love you, weep for you, yearn for you because I do. 

 

People always say that there is nothing like a Mother's love and though this is true, I would like to SCREAM to the world that there is nothing like a Daddy's love, one that is real, true, pure, authentic...

 

You were my superhero...my superman...

 

I try to hold on to what I remember...your scent, your voice, your smile, your hugs but Daddy, today, I am remembering one of the last things I said to you and your reply.  I asked if you were going to die and you responded by telling me no and to go back downstairs with my Mom.  I told you I loved you and you replied with the same love.  I can still see you sitting in your bedroom window with the blood stained rag in your hand from your nose bleed.

 

I shake my head wondering what possessed me to ask if you were going to die.  For so many years I was angry with you for dying and I was upset with myself, believing that I was somehow responsible for your death. For ten almost eleven years I was furious with you but I'm not mad anymore Daddy. I searched everywhere looking for you.  I went from boy to man, from girl to woman.  I needed your embrace, your guidance, your protection, your support, your provision...I needed all that you could give but you were nowhere to be found.

 

Once pregnant with your oldest grand daughter I told myself that I had to forgive you so that I could share you with her through my memories...and although things were never perfect, Daddy, I loved you perfectly then and I love you perfectly now!

 

Loving and missing you deeply today,

 

Your Little Girl,

Stacie

 

 

Word for today: VICTORY

One word for today:

VICTORY

1 Samuel 17:26, 32, 45-47 & 50-51 NIV

David asked the men standing near him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?”

David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.”

David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

 

This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.  David ran and stood over him. He took hold of the Philistine’s sword and drew it from the sheath. After he killed him, he cut off his head with the sword.

DAVID’S VICTORY:

David spoke to the giant (his problem) telling it of his intentions, what he would do to dismantle, tear down, kill and bring it to destruction the giant (his issues).  He was fearless because he knew whose strength he was going in (the strength of the Lord strong and mighty).  David was fully equipped and knew what tools were necessary for him to win.  Even before entering the fight David believed in a favorable outcome knowing he would and could win and thus he did precisely what he spoke.  He did not waver but remained steadfast.

As long as we understand whose strength we walk in and what power is at work within us, as long as we are fearless, knowing the fear of the Lord is our strength, as long as we know we are equipped with the proper tools, we, much like David can, will and shall win.  We must speak the outcomes we desire and watch victory prevail.

MAKE THIS DECLARATION TODAY:

I AM VICTORIOUS!

I HAVE THE VICTORY!

I AM MORE THAN A CONQUEROR!!!

PRAYER
Lord, give us the strategic gear, plan and words to defeat our enemies knowing that we are not going in our own power but it is Your strength that helps us win.  Remind us with every step we take today that we are victorious, in Jesus name I pray, Amen

Two sides of self...

During our daily prayer calls we discuss being naked and transparent so that we can get to a place of total freedom being TRULY delivered from strongholds, wrong thinking, false sense of self, generational curses, soul ties and the like. 

Everyday I rise open to whatever God wants to do in my life and even when I don't want to be honest I have to be. Searching the two sides of self fairs as essential.

When I do not desire to talk about my dirty places or the pain I am in I still have to do it.  Why? Because I want complete and total freedom.  I seek deliverance for myself and my family just as I seek the same for each of you and your families. In order to acquire that freedom I must be willing to see and know myself totally...even the dark places.

Everyday the mirror reflects opposing sides of the two sides of self.  It seems I am up one day and down the next.  I feel like a champion one day and less than a conqueror the next. 

I smile through pain and my tears are my prayers.  I am not a quitter but I quit at least five times a day.  I lay down to rest and my sleep is broken.  I wonder who really cares...thinking, all I do is care for others but whose care is authentic for me?  Then I begin wondering if I should stop caring...asking myself if anyone will even notice.  I feel like such a small piece in this hugely baked pie called life.  I ask myself what's worth living for and if what I do matters. 

I look at my family and wonder when things will change.  I look at the wars, rapes, abuses, over filled jails, prostitution, broken families, drug addicts, thugs, pimps, down low men, scheming gold digging females, churches, leadership, government and I wonder "will things ever change"?

I strive to be kind even when others are not so kind to me.  I get angry but work diligently to think good thoughts for it is NOT my desire to act as others do, viciously tearing one another down.  Although, I must admit, I am just as much capable of destructive behaviors and violence as the next person.

However, just because I yearn to do right does not mean my thoughts always reflect what I desire in my heart...but still everyday I choose! Choosing is also exploring two sides of self.  My heart speaks and seeks life, love and peace but my mind says kill...it says "its okay to take revenge" although I know the word specifically tells me that vengeance belongs to God.

Sometimes I want to take matters into my own hands...I want to take my life into my own hands but then I have those scriptures that have been placed in my Spiritual treasure chest to remind me to:

Trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not to my own understanding ~ Proverbs 3:5

And still other scriptures that tell me that I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me ~ Philippians 4:13

Why then do I feel like I am being conquered and overcome by the world? Why can't I just quit? I have to will myself to choose to die to the one side of self that is destructive and negative.

Then I hear whispers in my Spirit  telling me to remember:
Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; remembering that He shall bring forth those things that He has spoken to me regarding my life. ~ Psalm 37:5

I remind myself to:

Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! ~ Psalm 27:14

I tell myself:
The joy of the Lord is my strength ~ Nehemiah 8:10

In essence, I tell myself, both sides of self, each day to stand down in the flesh and stand up in the Spirit...letting the Spirit of God rise in me that His glory may be revealed.  I have to know who I am, where I came from, what's in me and what's in my family bloodline so I can understand where I am going, how I have come to be as I am and what God desires to remove as well as build.

So, I stand encouraging you to ask the tough questions hidden within the deepest places of your hearts.  Look at both sides of yourself...the good and the not so good.  Look at what is at peace and where you feel tormented.  Do not be afraid to look at the Man/Woman in the mirror and get naked so God can begin to unearth all that is within...molding you into His desired thought of who He created you to be.  Do not grow weary or fear the pain of the pruning process but instead, trust in the Lord!
 

 

SPEAK THESE SCRIPTURES OUT LOUD OVER YOUR LIFE:

“Every word of God is pure:
he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.”

~ Proverbs 30:5

“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress,
and my deliverer; my God, my strength,

in whom I will trust; my buckler,
and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”

~ Psalm 18:2
 

“The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; 

and he knoweth them that trust in him.”

~ Nahum 1:7
 

“As for God, his way is perfect;
the word of the LORD is tried:

he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.”

~ 2 Samuel 22:31

 

 "In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust;

I will not fear what flesh can do unto me"

~ Psalm 56:3 , 4
 

 

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, 
whose mind is stayed on thee:

because he trusteth in thee.”

~ Isaiah 26:3

“For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach,

because we trust in the living God,

who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.”

~ 1 Timothy 4:10

PRAYER:
Holy and Loving God, thank You for Your grace and mercy.  Lord, I pray for every eye that reads this post that you will prick their hearts to be open to coming clean about the dark places within.  Lord I pray that we as individuals, families, communities and nations would come to a place of openness, being ready to acknowledge our issues, faults, flaws, problems and frustrations so that You God may not only reveal Your glory but help us to see the error of our ways. 

We know that You have redeemed our ancestors and Lord we seek for You to redeem us as Your beloved, chosen people.  Lord I pray that we stop running and hiding like Jonah did.  I pray that we will sit still long enough for you not only to heal and restore at the surface but at the core of who we are.  I pray Lord God that as the freedom You desire for us is availed to us that we would turn and share with others that they too may come to the place of total liberation in their minds, bodies and spirits. 

I plead the blood of Jesus over every eye asking you to protect ear gates, eye gates,  mouth gates and sexual gates from this moment forward. I ask Lord that You gird each person and their families with the full armor; helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, sword of the spirit which is Your word God, gird their waist with Your truth and shod their feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

I rebuke nagging and tormenting spirits that remind us of the old us.  I pray that those spirits are freed and released from their assignment and can by no means further impact the eyes of the one who reads this post or their household, in the name of Jesus.  I pray Lord that You send those spirits to the place where You see fit and that they not return. 

I pray that you fortify our hearts individually and collectively and that we become a people of greater conviction and commitment for Your word as well as a people of deep compassion.  I release the two sides of self of each person reading this post into Your hands Lord for You to have Your way doing what You see fit.  Break us to build us, In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen

 

 

1st Friday's @Terra Cafe' ~ October 5, 2012

THIS Friday & every 1st Friday from 7pm - 10pm

 

It may be raining but NOT my will...

We all like when the sun shines because we can hang out, go to the beach...
AND, there's that something special about the sun that invigorates us.  Most of us prefer not to have the cloudy days.  Although we know the rain is necessary for cleansing and for the growth of things we need like the flowers, trees, grass, herbs, fruits and vegetables, we still would rather have the sunshine. 

 

Many of us are the same way in our lives. We want all the good times but stray away from the bad.  We even run at the first sign of trouble not realizing that the bad times are just as important for our growth as the rain is to the earth and all we gain from the sudden down pours.

Embrace the good, the bad, the highs, the lows, the thunder, the lightening, the sudden down pours and the constant drizzles just as much as the sunshine and watch what grows!

 

Romans 5:3-5 (NCV) says, "...these troubles produce patience, and patience produces character and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts..." 

 

 

SCRIPTURES:

 

Psalm 62 ~ NIV

 

Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
² Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

³ How long will you assault me?
Would all of you throw me down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
⁴ Surely they intend to topple me
from my lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.

⁵ Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
⁶ Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
⁷ My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
⁸ Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.

⁹ Surely the lowborn are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie.
If weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath.
¹⁰ Do not trust in extortion
or put vain hope in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
do not set your heart on them.

¹¹ One thing God has spoken,
two things I have heard:
“Power belongs to you, God,
¹² and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”;
and, “You reward everyone
according to what they have done.”

 

 

Psalm 46 ~ NKJV

 

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
³ Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah

 

⁴ There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,
The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
⁵ God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;
God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
⁶ The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;
He uttered His voice, the earth melted.

⁷ The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

 

⁸ Come, behold the works of the Lord,
Who has made desolation's in the earth.
⁹ He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariot in the fire.
 

¹⁰ Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!

¹¹ The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

PRAYER:

Most Holy and Loving God, Our merciful Lord, seems we have far to many reasons to focus on the clouds of life instead of the beauty. I pray that even as You allow the rainbow to show itself as a reminder of Your promises, tender love and gentle care for Your creations, that we will receive Your word as truth.  Thank You for considering us enough to provide shelter in times of storms.  Thank You for guiding our footsteps that when puddles are deep we can maneuver through the dirt and still come out clean, not getting stuck or becoming stagnant.  Thank You for growth even when weeds and thorns spring up with us. And Lord, I certainly thank You for the joyful and peaceful times when the air is calm and still.  Father, I receive both, for I know in the end there is a yielding of both fruit and increase. Now Lord, bless the eyes of the one who reads this post.  Encourage their souls and enlighten them to see the storm differently from this day forward.  In Jesus name I humbly pray, Amen

I am NOT invisible...Am I???

Quite often we look at the people around us and derive preconceived notions about who they are having no relevance or factual information to support our thoughts other than what our eyes see and our ears hear. 

 

However, I would like to suggest that we are often unable to see the true nature of the people who are before us. Why? Because so many of the Men, Women, boys and girls we encounter are wounded, confused, misguided people carrying weights they never asked to carry. 

 

These people represent the young boy who lost his father before the tender age of twelve and now walks in anger, confusion, loneliness and constant frustration. 

 

These people look like little girls who never had an opportunity to hear the words, "you're beautiful" aside from them being attached to some sort of perverted sexual deviant act from people who were supposed to protect her. 

 

These people look like Women who gave into the pressure of marrying because they did not want to have babies out of wedlock and thus was thrust into adulthood and marriage which led to them being abused by Men who pledged to love them forever simply because he was not truly ready for all the responsibility that came his way. 

 

These people look like Men whose Mother's abandoned and rejected them when they were mere boys needing her affection and attention...and she did so because his dad left and she was left with the constant reminder of "the mistake" she made.

 

These people whom we harshly judge, ridicule, scoff and laugh at, talk about and turn our noses up at are us.  We too, each of us has our own unresolved issues or things that we have indeed overcome.  Nothing makes them worse or better than us and nothing makes us better or worse than them.  Be mindful of how you view others.  Take a moment to speak a kind word into the life of another.  It's your support they need more than your judgement.

 

 

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged.

Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.

Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

 

~ Luke 6:37 NIV

 

 

PRAYER:

Father in the name of Jesus, help each of us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.  Help us to remember from whence we've come and to go back and set the captives free.  Lord increase our compassion.  Give us discernment to see what people are going through beyond what they say, what they do and how they act so that we may be able to support them even if its simply with a smile, a hug, a word of encouragement, being a mentor, taking on a child as our own even if they are not ours biologically.  Help us God to live a life that pleases you and attracts people to the light of Christ that dwells within us. In Jesus name I pray, Amen

 

 





Worship...

I wake up every morning with praise and adoration on my lips to God for simply being who He is but worship is different...It's going deeper into God's presence to have a personal encounter with Him.  These songs were in my Spirit this morning so I want to share with you in hopes that you too have an encounter with God that is like no other!

 

 

 

 

 

 

God of all, touch the heart of the one whose eyes have viewed this blog today, In Jesus Name, Amen

Peace...Against ALL Odds

Peace...Against ALL Odds

 

 

 WORDS OF POEM IN VIDEO ABOVE

I wanna rest in peace, seems I don't rest at night. I wanna rest in Your arms for the rest of my life. When troubles come I won't be alarmed, cause I'm resting safely in Your loving arms. When troubles come I want them to tremble and flee at the very sight of Your reflection in me.

 

I'm not trying to boast, I don't want to brag but You do leave me no choice but to walk in this swag.

I'm a S-sanctified W-witness an A-agent of G-GOD's. Standing against darkness against all odds!

 

I know that I'm loved because when troubles come my mind rest and my thoughts are at ease. Truthfully Father, its You I aim to please. But with loud sounds to disrupt my ear gates and winds blowing ferociously trying to blind me from seeing the truth and the light, I squench my eyes and put my mouth on guard that I only speak life as You stand contending against every distraction knowing with You, I win, against all odds!

 

See I, walked by myself for so long, lost in darkness couldn't acknowledge my wrong. But now, there's a new place where I've been found, cleanse, re-made and set free from an unruly and restless life. Your the bridegroom and yes I'm ya wife! Funny thing is Your captivated by ME! The one made beautifully in Your image and in return I'm in deep reverence. Why! Simply because Your God. I've found my peace in You, against all odds!
 

SCRIPTURES: 

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast,

because he trusts in you

~ Isaiah 26:3

 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.

I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid

~ John 14:27 NIV

 

And the peace of The God, Who is greater than every mind,

will keep your hearts and your minds by Yeshua The Messiah

~ Philippians 4:7 APBE

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.

For as members of one body you are called to live in peace.

And always be thankful

~ Colossians 3:15 NLT

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!

I have overcome the world
~ John 16:33

 



 

 

 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, thank you for granting me peace in the midst of a chaotic world.  Thank you for giving a peace beyond what Men and Women can comprehend.  Lord, I now pray for the one reading this site asking that you would move on their hearts.  Help them come to know you in such a way that peace overwhelms them and joy fills them to the overflow! In Christ name I pray, Amen

 

1st Friday's @Terra Cafe'

We all love Friday's, right???

 

It's a time to let your hair down and enjoy good food, family, friends and fun!

However, quite often we are left with not enough reasonably priced places to take the entire family!

Search NO MORE!!!

 

Hang out with us this:

Friday, September 7, 2012 7pm - 10pm ~ 101 East 25th Street, Baltimore MD 21218

& Bring the entire family for FREE!!!

 

Special Guest Features for the month:

Keith McBrown

Shanelle Gayden

Cardo 4 Christ

 

 

We only ask that you bring toiletry items which we donate to:

Neighbors WithOUT Walls

An initiative spearheaded by Terence Dickson, Owner of Terra Cafe'

 

These items go to homeless persons who live on the streets of Baltimore, as Terence and volunteers go out once a month. Visit: http://www.theterracafe.com to learn more about Terra Cafe'

 

Come out, get involved and have fun with us AND your family!!!

SEE YOU THERE!!!

 

Open Mic Sign Up Available Email:

 shalisepoindexter@gmail.com / briansessions@hotmail.com or stacie.jharris@yahoo.com

 

 

Talk II Me BWE TV Interview

A special thank you goes out to DJ OneLuv, Terry, Loretta & Darnita for inviting me to discuss the first book in The Embracing Me Project, "Hell & Heaven at 8" Sunday, September 2, 2012 on "Talk II Me TV Show". 

View the two parts of the show by clicking the link below:
Talk II Me TV Show

DEDICATION FROM "HELL & HEAVEN AT 8"

This book is dedicated to every young girl, woman and any male who experienced the discomforts and humiliation of watching family members, especially fathers and mothers, wast away, being consumed by drugs and alcohol. Equally, the book is dedicated to the neglected, abandoned and anyone who has ever suffered from sexual, physical, mental or verbal abuse; thus lacking self-love, self-esteem, self-worth and or self-respect.  To those whose minds were or still are consumed with the suicidal thoughts in hopes to rid yourself of the nightmares in reliving moments of pain over and over again. To those who still cry yourself to sleep at night wishing to turn back the hands of time.  To the victorious ones who exceeded the expectations of the disasters you lived through and are living a life complete from guilt and shame.

And certainly, this book is dedicated to those who struggle with your identity, unable to embrace the true you.

CLICK HERE: "Hell & Heaven at 8" TO PURCHASE

Hope, Possibility & Promise

Hope, Possibility & Promise proceeds will benefit a transitional house for women and children. Register today!

Do you know who you are?

Do you know who I am? More importantly, do you know who you are?

Many of us see but with skewed and blurred vision.  We look at one another but lack the ability to see who stands before us because we are unaware of who we are. So here I share not only who I AM but who WE are as children of the Most High God.

I AM beautiful ~ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139:14 - NIV)



I AM courageous ~ Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. (1 Chronicles 22:13 - ESV)



I AM victorious ~ for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4 - NIV)



I AM strong ~ Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (Ephesians 6:10 - NLT)


I AM a saved ~ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8)


I AM free ~ God is my protection. He makes my way free from fault. (2 Samuel 22:33 - NCV).
~ Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:36 - NKJV)


I AM healed ~ But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5 - NIV)

I AM new ~ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (1 Corinthians 5:17 - NKJV)



I AM complete ~ and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority (Colossians 2:10 - NASB)



I AM redeemed ~ Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us, that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Galatians 3:13-14 - NKJV)

I AM blessed ~ Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord. (Psalm 128:4 - KJV)
~ And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. (Deuteronomy 28:2 - KJV)



I AM forgiven ~ In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. (Ephesians 1:7 NKJV)
~ 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 - ESV)


I AM chosen ~ You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain... (John 15:16 - NASB)



I AM God's child ~ I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God (1 Peter 1:23)



I AM a temple of God ~ Do you know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16 - NKJV)



I AM a Royal Priesthood ~ But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9 - NIV)



I AM more than a conqueror ~ in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37 -NIV)



YOU ARE CREATED IN THE LIKENESS & IMAGE OF THE MOST HIGH GOD!
YOU ARE WONDERFULLY & BEAUTIFULLY MADE!

PRAYER:

God of light and love, help us to see ourselves and one another as You see us and as You have created us - in Your likeness and image. Renew our minds and remove the shadows that seek to overshadow what Your word speaks about us as Your children. Thank You Lord for loving us the way You do and for considering us. In Jesus Name, Amen