Your Pain Often Reveals God’s Purpose

Your pain often reveals God’s purpose for you. God never wastes a hurt! If you’ve gone through a hurt, he wants you to help other people going through that same hurt. He wants you to share it. God can use the problems in your life to give you a ministry to others. In fact, the very thing you’re most ashamed of in your life and resent the most could become your greatest ministry in helping other people.

Who can better help somebody going through a bankruptcy than somebody who went through a bankruptcy? Who can better help somebody struggling with an addiction than somebody who’s struggled with an addiction? Who can better help parents of a special needs child than parents who raised a special needs child? Who can better help somebody who’s lost a child than somebody who lost a child?

The very thing you hate the most in your life is what God wants to use for good in your life.

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 1, verses 4 and 6, “God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things” (NLT).

This is called redemptive suffering. Redemptive suffering is when you go through a problem or a pain for the benefit of others.

This is what Jesus did. When Jesus died on the cross, he didn’t deserve to die. He went through that pain for your benefit so that you can be saved and go to Heaven.

There are many different causes for the problems, pains, and suffering in your life. Sometimes the stuff that happens you bring on yourself. When you make stupid decisions, then it causes pain in your life. If you go out and overspend and buy things you can’t afford and presume on the future, and then you go deeply in debt and lose your house, you can’t say, “God, why did you let me lose my house?” You can’t blame God for your bad choices.

But in some of your problems, you’re innocent. You’ve been hurt by the pain, stupidity, and sins of other people. And some of the pain in your life is for redemptive suffering. God often allows us to go through a problem so that we can then help others.

Habits

Everyone has habits—some good and some bad. A habit is something we do without even thinking; it’s a behavior that is developed through frequent repetition. First we form habits, and then they form us. We are what we repeatedly do!

Studying God’s Word is the key to establishing healthy habits that bring joy, peace and power to our lives because godly wisdom is the foundation of every good attitude and behavior. It’s true that changing our habits isn’t always easy, and it will require some effort. But the good news is we don’t have to do it alone or in our own strength. God will give us the ability to do it as we “walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit].”

The Holy Spirit is with us to help us. He is our Partner—our Strength and Support—and as we do what we can to consistently follow His leadership, we’ll have the strength we need to make good habits. Studying the Word is the most important part of this process because it’s the way we learn how to follow His lead.

Some habits in our lives can seem overwhelming and impossible to change—especially if we’ve lived with them for a long time. But God will meet us where we are. He will always honor our faith and give us the grace to make the changes we want to make. Make the decision to trust God and not give up!

Walk It Out

Take a closer look at Galatians 5:16. Are you habitually following the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your life? Are there any bad habits you really want to break? We all have an area of our lives we can improve. Think about a personal goal you want to achieve in your daily routine, like being on time at work, not overeating, spending quality time with your kids, keeping up with the laundry, etc. Then pray and ask God to show you how “human nature without God” is hindering you from establishing the good habit you desire. Study other scriptures about the Holy Spirit and how He is your helper to overcome attitudes and behaviors you want to change.

Peace

If you want to really enjoy your life, peace is important. In the Amplified Version, John 14:27 reads: “[Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.” Jesus basically said here, “I’m leaving you My peace. Now you need to do all you can to hold on to your peace and stop letting yourself get upset.”

There are many great scriptures in the Bible that reveal how we can have the peace Jesus gives and actually live with it every day. Here are a few ways you can apply John 14:27 to your life:

See the value of peace. Maybe you need to take peace a little more seriously. If you don’t think it’s a big deal to lose your temper, worry all day or get stressed-out, you may not appreciate the gift of peace as much as you should. First Peter 3:11 says we should search for peace “and seek it eagerly” (AMP).
Jesus is the Prince of Peace and He wants you to live a peaceful life!

Walk It Out

Look up each of the scripture references listed. Read them slowly and consider what God is speaking to you about His peace. Make some notes about the specific attributes of a peaceful life versus a life without peace based on what these verses reveal to you. It can be helpful to read a couple of different translations to get more insight. Spend some time asking God to help you evaluate your level of peace in your daily life. If you need more of it, just ask and receive!

Trust God. This is the key to receiving and holding on to peace. When we come to God and give Him all of our cares, we experience the blissful relief from fear and worry (Matthew 11:28-30; 1 Peter 5:7).
Let peace be the umpire of your life. If you are thinking about doing something but don’t have peace about it, don’t do it. God leads us with His peace, so if you’re not peaceful, it’s not His way for you to go. (Colossians 3:15 AMP)

Baby on Board!

You are a tiny little miracle.
Laying close to my beating heart,
Each and everyday l feel your presence
Knowing that we'll never be apart.
Loving every single moment
And not knowing where to start
We can't wait to meet you.
Love mommy and daddy

Ask! Seek! Knock!

Matthew 7:7-8 NIV

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

There have been so many days and nights that I've asked and felt as though the Lord never heard my cry. Little did I know that He's been preparing me for something greater. I just had to be patient. I had a problem comparing my situation to others and thinking why not me? Well whatever the problem was or the question was about, I wasn't ready. God knew what my heart desired and He wanted me to be prepared for what was to come my way. For the past month or so I've been trying to do better with my relationship with God and also my health. I haven't always been successful with them but He knows my heart and He knows what I need. So today I am thankful that He listened and that He kept me patient and understanding in my situation.  Thank you Lord for blessing me with something so special.

Don't give in to your fears

God is watching over you, so don’t listen to your fears. This is a choice. Trust God, and don’t give in to your fears.

2 Corinthians 1:10 says, “From such terrible dangers of death he saved us, and will save us; and we have placed our hope in him that he will save us again” (TEV).

God’s promise to believers is that, no matter what happens to us, he is working for our good — if we love him and follow him. If you're a believer, the Bible says all things are working together for good — not that all things are good but that they are working together for good.

That means we can stop listening to our fears. There is no difficulty, dilemma, defeat, or disaster in the life of a believer that God can’t ultimately get some good out of. There is no need to fear the future.

Your fears reveal where you do not trust God. Today, make a list of your fears, and ask God to help you identify why you have fear in those areas. Then, ask him to help you replace your fears with trust.

Now, this next step is important: Expect God to start helping you learn to trust him with each fear. Then, watch to see how he helps you.

The Word of God

The Word of God has inherent power in it—it’s alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). When we study the Word, that power changes us, healing and rescuing us from destruction.

Here are some practical examples of how the Word works in our lives:

James 1:21 (AMP) says, “…In a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls.” God’s Word literally saves us from sin and brings us into a personal, intimate relationship with Him!

Romans 12:2 (NIV) says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” It’s so wonderful to know we can think like God thinks and want what He wants for us.

Isaiah 53:5 (NIV) says, “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.” When Jesus gave His life on the cross, He paid the price for us to have forgiveness of all our sins, perfect peace, and healing—spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically.

Walk It Out

These verses are great starting points for an in-depth Bible study about the healing, transforming power that is available to us in the Word. Meditate on them—roll them over and over in your mind—then apply what you learn, trusting God to meet you where you are and do what only He can do for you

How to get through what you're going through

The Light in the Dark Times

Read today's verse.

Did Jesus suffer? Was he sometimes lonely? Was he tempted to be discouraged? Was he misunderstood, maligned, and criticized unjustly?

Of course! None of us are exempt from suffering, loneliness, discouragement, or unjust criticism, because God is developing within us the character of Christ, and, in order to do this, he must take us through all of the circumstances in life through which he took Christ.

Does this mean God causes tragedies? No. God is good, and he will not cause evil or do evil. But God can use dark and stressful times for good. He'll use them to teach us to trust him, to show us how to help others, and to draw us closer to other believers.

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 4:8b-9, “We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead” (NLT).

So, what should you do when you’re going through difficult times?

First, you refuse to be discouraged. Then, you remember God is with you. Finally, you rely on God’s protection and guidance.

We all go through difficult times. The difference for those who believe in Jesus is not the absence of the shadow but the presence of the Light.

Healthy Choices

Looking for at home workouts? Check out fitness blender's website for a range of awesome workouts. From easy to difficult,  yoga to weight lifting... they have it all!! My first workout was the Total body strength training and core workout for beginners. Was it rough? For me it was because it's been so long since I've actually worked out. But as time goes on it will get easier. So I'm looking forward to working out more and being muscles!

Another page to check out is my Soror Jenell Stewart's healthy page. Not only is she a natural hair blogger but she's a health guru. Great workouts and healthy food alternatives with AMAZING smoothie recipes. She has motivated so many women with her weight loss journey. I'm truly a believer that we all can do it. So check out her Instagram page and there is also a link to her YouTube page from there.

http://www.fitnessblender.com/v/full-length-workouts/

http://instagram.com/healthyJenell

God's Love for us

By looking more closely at John 3:16 (studying it), we’ve gained insight into God’s heart for us and what He wants to do for us.

It’s “The Great Exchange”:

I give Jesus my sin, and He gives me His righteousness.
I give Him my broken, wounded life, and He gives me His beauty.
I give Him my hopelessness and He gives me His hope.
I give Him my sadness and He gives me His joy.
I give Him my turmoil and my old ways of doing things, and He gives me a new nature—His nature—and His peace.

The awesome thing is, this is just the beginning of having new life in Christ. So keep going because it just gets better and better!

Walk It Out

If you haven’t given your all to God, do it today. Tell Him, “God, thank You for giving me Your Word and showing me how much You love me. I love You, and I trust You. I want to have new life in Christ and everything You have for me. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me Your “Great Exchange.” Now study other scriptures, like 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, that will help you get a deeper understanding of what it means to belong to God and be loved by Him.

...And the weight in on!

I say that literally. Within the past 2 years my weight gain has been in the low 200's, 209 being my heaviest. It's sad, yes I know and I should really be ashamed of myself because I allowed negativity, depression and my relationship get the best of me. As of today I am 194 and not proud of it. However I refuse to let my weight continue to take over me. With the help of my support system I'm ready to take back my joy and get down to my weight goal. Also doing something I haven't done since my insanity days, which is posting a picture of me. No cover up, no sucking in, and no girdles. Just me. This allows me to be real with myself and to be held accountable for what I say. So with that being said I'm ready, are you? If you're  with me let me know and post those pictures. If you have any questions about what I'm doing, ask me!!

For the next month, thanks to my sis, I am doing a juicing replacement and as usual (no sugar, fried, fast foods, beef, pork, soda, breads or liquor). So far ive done a detox of magnesium citrate to cleanse my system. I also (when I get the courage) will do another cleanse (the master cleanse). If you want more information, just let me know.

Thanks!!!

I'm Back!

Wow, to say a year has went by since I've blogged is crazy.  So many things have changed in my life.  From graduating, moving, new relationships and careers, it's been a lot. Within that year there have been many ups and downs and now I'm ready to get back to what I love. Dealing with my spiritual relationship  and hair and even new adventures like makeup and health. I hope that everyone enjoys my daily struggles as they may be motivation for you and that they may hold me accountable for what I say and do. Well without further ado let gets started!

Why?

So you think this is funny?

Why do we sit here and mock the very things that make us who we are? Is everything a joke to you? When it's time to be serious and unite as one, we beat each other down and are so quick to use guns. We can't continue to show society that we are incompetent, proving to them that we are inadequate of being the intelligent, confident, mind blowing individuals that we are. There are people hurting because of the choices that we make, our generation is dying because we can't put aside our egos and pride. We cause the commotion and then look stupid when we are being made fun of. We put ourselves in this situation and it's up to us to stop it. I don't believe in "when you know better you do better" because we do know better however we choose not to do better. It's a sad sad world out here and i pray that one day we can all stand tall hand in hand and show society that we will not stay down.

A sistah's poem and a brotha's response

Do you qualify to be the man I need you to be?

Will you be able to recognize the thing  you need to see?

Will you be able to understand, that I'm a good woman and in my life u need a good man?

Do you qualify?

Do you qualify to fertilize my unproductive seeds?

Can you fulfill, as I can, all of our needs?

Can you put me in my place if you see I am slipping?

Can you talk to me, wholeheartedly? Not constantly tripping!

Do you qualify?

Do you qualify to be called all mine?

Can you leave the other women and temptations behind?

Can you come to me with your problems and not wait until its too late?

Can you stand up and admit if you made a mistake? 

Do you qualify?

Do you qualify to be the honest ebony man I would want you to be?

Would you be able to look me in my eyes and admit your feelings to me?

Could you take me in your arms and make love to me all night long?

Can you be sensitive and still be strong?

Do you qualify?

Do you qualify to be my friend as well as my lover?

Can you put our love before any other?

Can you cherish me as if I were diamonds and Gold?

Can you make me feel like I'm the last woman you'll ever hold?

Do you qualify?

Do you qualify to be called a good man?

If I had doubts can you reassure me and understand?

Can your love intoxicate me as if I were high?

To be in my life, I need to know... Do you qualify?

- A brotha's response 

You ask, do I qualify?

Can I fulfill your needs and become the man you need me to be?

My sistah, are you prepared for what you've asked for?

Can you handle the responsibility?

Can you accept that, by God, I am the chosen one, the authority, the comforter, and the head?

Will you submit and willingly follow my path? 

Or will you fight with me instead?

If I am your king, will you treat me as such? 

Will I get the best of your beauty and poise?

Or will I be subjected to an appearance, neglected, and checked with some serious noise?

When I talk, will you listen?

I mean wholeheartedly and feel me?

Or will you rush me just to make your point too?

Can I be the man at all times?

Even when it hurts?

Or is it just when it's convenient for you?

Can you love me for me, and not who you wish I could be?

Will you see the strong black man within?

Or will you always remind me of all the past brothas behind me and make me pay for their sins?

If I don't send you flowers the day your co-worker received some, will you know that I love you still?

Or will me good name be uttered along with those other doggish brothas?

Will you question if my commitment is real?

Will you be patient and reach me to understand you, and all my knowledge of your needs to grow?

Or will you shut me out when I ask, baby what's wrong?

Or will you respond with,"Well a real man would know!"?

When we first met, what was it that caught your eye? 

Was it my mind, my heart, my personality? 

Or was it my suit, my job, or do you love what I drive, instead of what's driving me?

Yes I can, and I will, make love to you from midnight to the dawning of the sun.

But, if I tell you I'm tired, will you trust I'm sincere or believe that there must be another one?

My sistah, I love you and my hear can be yours. 

No woman could lead me astray.

But like you, I have needs, so I beg of you, please, in this love than meet me half way. 

In life's tough times, I'll hold you, in the rough times I'll mold you; your simplest wish will be my command.

My life is yours if need be.

Yes you can fully believe me, and when hell comes, in your place, I'll stand.

A good relationship is a powerful institution that must be built on a foundation of two. 

So to answer your question, 

Yes sistah, I do qualify.

Now, more importantly... Do you?

You Will Always Fear What You Don't Understand

To understand me; first, know my struggle. To love me; you then have to feel my pain.

To Be Continued....

Cookie

I knew this day was coming but I didn't know it would be this soon. I'm sorry I couldn't be there but you and I both know that it was in my best interest. God knew it would be to much for the both of us. Im happy that God answered my prayers and that you're home because now you're at finally at peace.
You finally get to get up, move around, dance and I get to see that big beautiful smile of yours. I laugh because I wonder if God allows s-curls in heaven? If so, i know you're getting a touch up by now! lol It's been awhile but I know you wanna look nice! :-) I know you're up there getting your nails done, ohh and let's not forget that pinky ring! I can just picture you with your dark purple lip stick just cheesing!
I'm reminiscing about the good times and just thinking about all the fun we had! Though there were bad times as well it didn't matter. Because we always made a way out of no way and i will always love you for putting up with me.
You will always be my pooh pooh and I will never forget you. I hope as the years go by that you continue to watch over me and that I always make you proud. You are my heart, my soul and now my angel! I love you Beulah Mae Lofton aka Cookie!!
R.I.P
11/30/50 - 12/26/12

God Opens and Shuts Doors

There are critical times in our lives when we especially need to know we are hearing clearly from God. It isn't always easy to know His voice from that of our own emotional reasoning. But I know from experience that God can open doors of opportunity that no one can close, and He can also close doors that we cannot open.

I spent many years trying to organize things I wanted to do in life. The result was frustration and disappointment. But I found that if we depend on God, He will give us favor and make things easy for us when we seek Him and His perfect timing. He leads one step at a time. If you take one step forward in the wrong direction, He will let you know before you go too far.

Be aware that His thoughts are above your thoughts. He sees the end from the beginning. All His ways are right and sure. He knows what makes sense for your life and He can make it happen. Hear from Him and you will not be deceived.

Prayer Starter: God, I trust You to open the right doors in my life and shut the wrong ones. Even when I don't know what to do, I have faith that I can hear from You and follow Your will.
- Joyce Meyer

Take Heed

Well at the moment I am feeling rather down. I started writing this blog a while ago and wanted to finish tonight. Good news is that I did finish and thought that it was a good blog, bad news is that it got deleted so now I have to write this over.

A few weeks ago I was talking to a friend about a topic that we were both familiar on. Somehow the topic switch to something else that was unrelated yet helpful. She was telling me how God had placed many warning signs in her life on various occasions. She also let me know how she gets these visions on things and people which I thought was interesting because I tend to have visions as well however mine are a little different. We continued to converse for a little longer before calling it a day. Overall I learned a serious lesson; Take heed of the things that God is showing you.

I chose the title "Take Heed" because there are so many warnings and signs that we fail to realize or just don't care to pay attention to at all. From waking up late, to car breaking down, the ambulance and police sirens, or even the flashing lights on the train tracks. Those are all warning signs that can help to save you from death or any kind of injure. Even simple things with our day to day routine can be warnings and signs from God.

Random thoughts

I just want to say that words cannot express how thankful I am. God did not have to choose me but He did. He shed His blood to forgive my sins. He loves me unconditionally and all I want to do is show that I am thankful. It is not easy, I fight a battle everyday with trying to do right and yet I fail every time but The Lord knows me. He knows what I do before I even do it and He still forgives me. Isn't that wonderful? And to think, with the way that I treat Him is horrible! Well let me not exaggerate, it isn't horrible but I know I can do better. I will, I have the heart to do so and I will make an even better effort to do so. Thank you Lord for all that you have done!!!

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, you have released me from the fear of death and the grave. You have also released me from the tyranny of the devil. Because you have redeemed me by your shed blood, lead me to live every day watching the signs and waiting for your glorious return. Amen.

Journal Challenge

Well as you all know that I’ve been going through some things. Well while reading and browsing the Internet I ran across Heather Lindsey's blog. She started the pinky promise movement that has become a big hit with women all over the world. The pinky promise is a promise to honor God with your body and your life. To refuse to give your body to anyone that hasn't paid the price for you called marriage. It's a promise to stay pure before God in EVERY single way. It's a promise that says, I won't test the boundaries in my relationship to see how far I can push it sexually--but instead--I want God to have my heart. It's a promise to God that you will honor your marriage covenant. It's saying that I promise not to step outside of my marriage, cheat on my spouse and that I'll work through every issue.

Well I became really interested in the movement because I wanted and yearned for my relationship with God to strengthen and to grow. Its been lacking and I’ve been feeling the effects of it. So I signed up for the group and I’ve been participating in the discussions and found that there are a few movements nearby (Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, etc…) So over all it have been very beneficial for me.

Okay back to my original thought. While researching all this information I found an interesting blog… “Journal Challenge.” Well it caught my attention so I read the blog and thought about it. Get that vie been going through a lot emotionally and I needed my relationship with God. Well to let all of you know what the “Journal Challenge” is: a way to communicate with God daily. It allows you to think, feel and write our "day" that we're on. This aint for show'-- it's us, spending time with God daily & letting Him change us from the inside out. Writing the day on your journal is ONLY for accountability. Seems fun right? Well I thought so, and right now I’m on day three. I think really taking the time out to focus on God is a wonderful day to start and end out day right. It’s the only way and to be honest I feel lost when I step away from God. Though I am not perfect or near perfect, I know what I need to do and where I’m heading! If you want to learn more about the Journal Challenge go to: http://heatherllindsey.blogspot.com/2012/04/join-journal-challenge.html

Ohh and by the way for my lovely Sorors of Z Phi B there is a group for us àààà http://www.pinkypromisemovement.com/group/pinky-promise-zeta-phi-beta#

Well I hope you all enjoy! Until next time

Peace!