Just be obedient

Can anyone agree with me when I say obedience can sometimes be hard? I think alot of people try to make God conventional. But God is soooo unconventional. God always sees the bigger picture. Last Wednesday at church, Dr. Bradley was speaking on obedience. I love when a pastor is all is your business lol The Word can cut you for sure. But it's the sharp Word that shapes you into who you're meant to be.

He went on to say he once was offered a job making a whole bunch of money. So he was going to accept it. He had never made that kind of money in his life. He spoke with his pastor at the time and his pastor told him to pray. He had his mind set on it already but after prayer, God told him not to take the job. He had the choice to be disobedient but he chose to listen to God and a few months later the company folded. #Bummer

He said once he decided not to take the job, people were calling him crazy. They couldn't understand why he would walk away from such an amazing opportunity. It's important to hear God's voice for yourself. Those people would've messed him up had he listened to them. But that story is evidence that God can see the things that we so often can't see. Even when it doesn't make sense, God's instructions are there to guide us to our ultimate place in Him. He had no idea that God has called him to pastor at that point. If he had gone along with what he wanted or what "made sense" to others, he would've jeopardized the future of himself, his wife, his kids, and the growing congregation that God was leading him to.

One thing I've experienced in my own life is that disobedience can cause God to be silent. And that's honestly one of the worst feelings. "God tell me what to do. Tell me what to do." And we don't realize that God has already spoken. He's just waiting on us to be obedient. I can say, that there is true freedom in our obedience. I've been experiencing a freshness with God, a new freedom that I've been waiting for for quite some time.

Growth is produced out of obedience. Once we're obedient to the small instructions, God can begin to reveal to us the bigger instructions. I pray God is pleased with my many leaps of faith recently. I've been feeling a pull to go visit a certain area for a while now. I've been talking about it for months. Recently I got this urge to pack up and just go. It was very weird and pretty abnormal. But all I said was "um..I don't know about this..But God is this you?" lol

I believe God has something for me on this mini vaca I'm about to take. I have a cousin and a couple friends that have moved to that area who I will probably visit for a bit but I feel like this trip is for ME. It's a whole new level of independence as I've never traveled alone. But if these last couple of months are an indicator of what God is going to show me, I'm excited! I do believe there is definitely something I'm going to find. Maybe more of God, maybe more of myself, maybe both. Whatever it is, obedience is taking me to it!

Late Night / Early AM Encouragement

It's been a few days since that shooting incident in Colorado, and I'm still in shock! Watching the footage on TV just made my heart ache for the victims and their families. And it became even more disheartening when I read about the deceased victims on cnn.com. It hit me...that could have easily been me! Seriously. I go to the movies all the time, and that latest Batman movie was on my list of movies to catch this summer.

It always baffles me when things like this happen. Columbine. 9/11. Virginia Tech. And now this random shooting in Aurora, Colorado. I don't understand what goes through these people's minds when they seek out and plan to take innocent lives. Like, why? I just don't get it, and it's so sad.

In recent years, I've heard from several people (ministers and the like) that the state of the world is gonna continue to worsen. To be honest, I just don't want to believe that. But I do know certain things must take place on Earth before Jesus returns. We just need to stay prayed up and armed with the fruits of the spirit.

Obviously, it's the enemy (devil) that is working through these folks, coercing them to do these evil acts.

"The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I [Jesus] came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, til it overflows)." John 10:10 (AMP)


The enemy speaks to all of us in some form or another; it is up to us whether we listen and take action or not. It's easy to believe his lies are the actual truth, when you're not spiritually mature.

There were many, many, MANY days when I dealt with depression and its complementary thoughts. I didn't want to cause physical harm to others, only myself. However, had I listened and acted on those evil thoughts, I would have brought unnecessary pain and anguish to my family members and other loved ones. It would've been very selfish of me.

Whether we believe it or not, we are all connected. We were never meant to go through anything alone.  Someone somewhere cares about YOU! Someone (other than Jesus, God, and the heavenly beings) loves you! Someone is mentioning you in their prayers.

Life is not as bad as it seems. There is light at the end of the dark tunnel. There is joy at the end of the struggle, if you only push through. Just keep on living. Things will get better! I am a witness to that fact! Believe it for yourself.

Be encouraged and uplift others! 

Prayer Works!

The title of this post says it all! Prayer truly does work. Prayer has the power to change things. God has placed it on my heart to include a prayer request form on the website. I truly have a heart to pray and I desire to stand in agreement with you about whatever you're believing God for. I put a tab at the top of the site or you can just click here and it will take you directly to the form. If you desire someone to seek God on your behalf, please don't hesitate to send your requests. No matter what it is, God has the power to change it. Prayer works!

Do I really want kids?

I'm sure most people have contemplated the thought of having children. I was never on the fence about it. Even as a kid, I was convinced I wanted a house full of kids. But the older I get, the more I realize what it really takes to be a parent. I have the most adorable nieces and nephews. I just love them. It's nothing like going to my sis' house and walking in and they yell, "Che Che!!!" (Their lil nickname for me.) But they are a handful.

My sister and her husband have a blended family. All together they have six, yes SIX. One is 4 months, one is 3 and the others are 5,6, and two are 7. Yea crazy. I usually visit them once or twice and week and at any given visit, you may find me laid out across someone's bed getting in a power nap cause they can be pretty exhausting.

I'll never forget, a few weeks after my sister had the littlest one, baby Ashlee, she left me at her place with her and the 3 year old JoJo, while she ran errands. I went in the room for 2 minutes to change the baby's diaper and then I heard the microwave close in the kitchen. JoJo walks in the room and said, "CheChe I'm cooking." I run in the kitchen thinking he's warming up his toy in the microwave or something but thank God nothing was in there lol I have so much respect for them to be able to parent their own little brady bunch and remain sane.

I've always loved kids and kids love me too. Sometimes random kids will run up to me and hug my leg or something and I just think it's the cutest thing. Little kids are very cute. But when I would think about my own kids, I often envision all my children coming home with their families for Christmas and Thanksgiving and not necessarily the YEARS that lead up to that portion of life.

Raising kids require two very important things  patience and selflessness. And I definitely believe it's on a whole different level than relationships and marriage. Children require alot and the younger they are, the more impatient they are. Kids don't really take into consideration your schedule, what you're in need of, how you're feeling, etc., they want what they want when they want it.

And like I said, I love them but they can pluck a nerve sometimes (lol) but the good thing about being an auntie is I can leave and go home to peace and quiet when the atmosphere gets a little hectic and crazy. When they're yours, they're YOURS. I've been wrestling with this nasty head cold for about four days now. As of right now I'm only in school so I don't have to worry about calling out of work and I can focus on resting up. But I started imagining if I had children. Parenting wouldn't stop if I got sick or wasn't feeling well. I can't imagine feeling the way I'm feeling right now and having my nieces and nephews over..OMG..

So I do find myself questioning "Do I really want kids?" And honestly I don't really know the answer right now. But thank God I have plenty of time to think about it. I used to say I wanted to be married by 23 and have my first child by 25. (Clearly I was a teenager or younger then.) I guess we will see what happens in due time! :-)

Missed Me?? =)

What's up people???

It's been way too long! I haven't written in almost a month! With me, if I don't do something consistently, it's like pulling teeth trying to get back in the groove of things. But I'm back! ....for now!

Once again, I want to thank YOU (whoever you are out there) for taking the time to read Chelsea's wisdom and my ramblings about life...lol. It's greatly appreciated!

So obviously, I've been busy. Swamped with life, ya know. lol...man I need to do a V-log. Y'all need to see how goofy I am. Like I can unintentionally make you laugh by just being me. =) I'm probably one of the weirdest people you'll ever meet, but you won't be able to tell right off the bat. I really wish a camera was going when I was having this convo with my brother earlier. See, I have this strange habit of creating dialogue about stuff that isn't true...like I'm acting or something. I was talking to my brother in this Jamaican/British accent, making up this crazy scenario/dialogue; I don't even remember what I was saying, but I knew it was funny. Chelsea and I do it randomly sometimes too. Remember that time we were acting like old ladies at my house? lol [insider]

You're probably scratching your head like, "What is this chick talking 'bout?" Like I said, I'm a rambler of all things. Take me or leave me. Anywho....

This past month has consisted of: becoming more acquainted with my new job, hitting up lots and lots of cookouts, reorganizing my bedroom and closet, extensive cleaning, getting my first speeding ticket, summer school, reading my Bible more, joining the gym (for the first time in life), and just ENJOYING MY JOURNEY!  


I hope YOU are enjoying your journey as well! This is YOUR life, but it's on GOD's time! Use these moments wisely, and enjoy the journey on the way to arriving to your destination!

Meekness and a Quiet Spirit

The older I get, the more I begin to understand "my meekness." I think that's one thing Candice and I have in common. I looked up the word "meek" and found this definition; the feeling of patient, submissive humbleness.

I found this on a website.

"Meekness is calm confidence, settled assurance, and rest of the soul. It is the tranquil stillness of a heart that is at rest in Christ. It is the place of peace. Meekness springs from a heart of humility, radiating the fragrance of Christ." (reviveourhearts.com)

Meekness is often seen as weakness when I personally believe it's the opposite. I believe my quiet spirit is one of God's greatest gifts to me. I haven't always believed that though. There was a time where I felt the desire to be accepted. I thought I was strange because it seemed like everyone else was loud, attention seeking and "out there." But when I began to find my identity in Christ and realize that meekness was actually a characteristic of Christ, I began to embrace it. It was through embracing it that I lost the desire to be the center of attention. I used to TRY to be loud and extra talkative because I thought I had something to prove. But I've become most grateful for that quality.

I absolutely love T.D Jakes. I listen to his sermons almost everyday. One of the things about him that encouraged me the most is the sermon where he said he was quiet by nature. This is a man who speaks in front of thousands and thousands of people every week. You would assume he was just as loud and talkative in regular conversations as he is preaching a sermon. But he says naturally he's quiet.

But when I think about his position, meekness is a requirement to keep him where he is and to ultimately allow him to go higher. Meekness includes humility and being able to listen as well as peace and patience. If T.D Jakes were to get offended about everything that didn't go his way or every opinion he didn't like, he wouldn't be able to do his assignment effectively. If he didn't have control over his emotions, every negative thing someone would say about him would ruin his day and taint his heart which would of course effect his ministry. Not only that, but if he talked as much as he does when he preaches a sermon, I'm sure that wouldn't give him much time to hear from God lol (Because that man can talk when he ministers haha)

But I say all that to say that quietness is strength. Controlling your emotions is strength. Being slow to speak is strength. Having patience is strength. Peace is strength. Although the world may try to tell you that meekness is weakness, the Bible says in Matthew 5:5, "
                                           "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."

Embrace who you are and realize you have nothing to prove to people. We all are who we are for a reason. When you look at the characteristics of your own unique spirit, you'll see another way God chose to set you apart so that He could get glory. Thanking God for my quiet spirit and every ounce of my uniqueness...

and for yours.

Now THIS is love

If it's not one thing...

You ever heard that quote, "If it's not one thing it's another?" I've heard that quote alot in the last couple of days. My uncle had an emergency unexpected brain surgery yesterday morning. I was at my sisters house and we got the call saying he was taken to the hospital. Once we got there and found out the severity of the situation I must admit, I was not in a good place. I remember thinking, "I don't understand. Not again God."

I've only known one other person that survived his condition. We've lost about three relatives/family friends to the same thing and I just didn't want to think about the possibilities of losing him. And the fact that he's in his 30s just made it even more unexpected. I'm grateful to say that his surgery went well. But a lot of things were going through my head.

Life is not a guarantee. I know that and have always known that but it can be easy at times to forget. It's a blessing to have such a large family. But along with that comes the possibility of taking one another for granted. During the holidays everyone tries to go the extra mile to get together but even if that doesn't happen, "There's always Christmas or next year." Or because my family is so large, everyone usually can't get together at one place so holidays usually consist of a few different places we all can choose from. When really, who knows what will happen next Christmas. Why not NOW?

As I was driving home last night, it finally hit me what really happened and how that short time frame could have changed each of our lives for good. But I am so glad that his surgery went well and we don't have to say "what if" or "I wish I would have." God has graced each of us with more TIME with each other.

Alot of times we push things off or procrastinate. But that's a scheme of the enemy who tries to make us believe that we have an endless amount of time. But it only takes a second for our lives to change. When I finally saw him after his surgery and he was awake and knew who I was (which I wasn't expecting after having brain surgery), I wanted to climb in his lap and just hold on to him. Of course I probably would've been carried out lol But I was so grateful that God graced him with more time and that brain surgery is not too complicated for our Heavenly Father.

Thanking God for His healing Power. If' its not one thing it's another. But we have the ability to speak to that giant and it will come down. When we are in situations that are out of our control, it's a reminder that we serve the One who has it ALL in control. I ask that you keep my uncle in your prayers. That he will have a healthy and smooth recovery and that all is well for his wife and children.

Cherish those you love and make sure they know it.

Condemnation

"My levees' are broken
My walls are coming down on me
My rain is falling
Defeat is calling
I need you to set me free
Take me far away from the battle
I need you
Shine on me!

I look to you,
I look to you
After all my strength is gone
In you I can be strong
I look to you,
I look to you
And when melodies are gone In you I hear a song
I look to you"

I was listening to this song earlier. I don't remember how I got to it but I was on Youtube and after clicking enough of the "Related Videos" from my initial search, I came across this song. For those who don't know, this is Whitney Houston's song "I look to you." And the more I listened to it, the sadder I became.

When I think about Whitney Houston, her gifts, life, talent, death etc., I think about how many people condemned her. On Facebook there were either one of two things. Either people were talking about how sad they were OR they were condemning her, talking about her lifestyle, drug addiction, etc. One of the things that bugged me was someone saying "If she REALLY loved God she wouldn't have been living ungodly!"Ungodliness is anything that is not godly right? In that category would include lying, gossiping, envy, doubt, fear, the list can go on and on. Being in need of deliverance doesn't disqualify a person from being a Christian. FYI

I truly believe she loved the Lord. I'm not justifying any decision that she made at all but if we're talking about being Godly, when does Jesus ever say that we are to condemn others?  I'm sure we all can admit, at some point we've found ourselves in situations that reeled us in and put us in a position that required deliverance. When looking at the lyrics of this song, she was crying out for help just like so many people are. I come across so many people who turned away from God/church because they were condemned instead of loved.

It bothers me when people can so quickly turn the finger and condemn others once they've already fallen and hit the bottom but so many don't pray and uplift them while they're still in the air. Whitney Houston was just an example I wanted to use to express the importance of intercession as it pertains to people we know and people we don't know. "So and so did this ungody thing, said this ungodly thing, is acting this ungodly way, talking this ungodly stuff" Ok so he/she is operating in their human sinful nature. So how many times have you prayed for them, fasted for them or encouraged them?

We have to love each other! Not only love one another but be reflections of God's love. Otherwise, we will lose people to the enemy. As Christians we are a physical representation of God. I saw a quote a while back that said "I wish I had met Christ before I met a Christian." And honestly, Christians can be the most judgmental and condemning people. When we see a person operating in any spirit other the the Spirit of God, we need to intercede on their behalf and not send them straight to hell.

I prayed to God a while back that He would help me become a woman of prayer. That He would put the desire in my heart to pray more and He did. I wake up in the middle of the night sometimes to pray for people I don't even know. Sounds crazy probably but so many people are in need of prayer that God may give me a name of someone who is in need. God knows their name and their need so I just allow the Holy Spirit to use me as a vessel.

I was raised by powerful anointed women of God who prayed and prayed and prayed. I've had that example my whole life. But it wasn't until God showed me the desperate need of love in the world that I began to understand why it is so important.

When a person loves God but is living a lifestyle other that how God wants them to, when a person has turned away from God and strayed from what they know as the Truth, or when a person doesn't believe in God at all, PRAY and PRAY and PRAY again. There's no need to gossip and complain or judge and condemn. There's no need to tell others about it, just pray uplift and encourage. God revealed it to YOU so there's no need to expose it to others. I am where I am because there were people praying for ME because I know at one point I was caught up in a place that you would think I didn't know God let alone love Him.

 In order for us to be who we are called to be in Christ, we have to love people. We can't walk out in who God has created us to be if we can't accept and love others in the same way that the prodigal father accepted and loved his prodigal son. (Luke 15:11-31)

The Element of Compromise

Being a single Christian female, there have been plenty of given opportunities for me to compromise who I am.

No matter who you are, your age, or what you believe, there are always tempting situations around you to change your mind on the values you believe.

I just spotted an interesting status on Facebook, "When you want something too bad, you make impulsive decisions...not smart ones." SO TRUE!

In my mind, I'm relating that to relationships. Right now, there are a bunch of folks in relationships that have no business being in one at all. Some are even engaged as we speak, planning the final touches of a wedding with a person who is not meant for their destiny.

And we wonder WHY there are so many divorces left and right? People are going out of God's will, and they are essentially being their own "God" by choosing someone they believe is better than God's best. They're ultimately just settling for what appeals to them right now.

Now you may be wondering, "How am I supposed to know if he/she is the one?" 

Maybe there's no correct answer, but I would suggest consulting the Master. By Master, I'm referring to God. No relationship with Him? Form one. Go to Him as you are, and talk to Him (pray). Don't forget to listen as well. Always ask for wisdom and discernment when dealing with this type of thing, because marrying the wrong person can throw your whole life off track. Pick up a Bible while you're at it, and start consistently reading the most beautiful love story ever written.

One thing you shouldn't be doing is altering who you are (or even attempting to change them) to maintain a relationship. If someone is not up to par with the values you're looking for in a mate, why waste time? Remember, the only person you have control over is yourself. 

If they're practicing a different religion than the one you believe in, don't you think that would pose a problem in the future? If they just got out of relationship and immediately moved onto the next (without taking time to heal), what does that say about them and you? Growing up, my parents always told me that if a guy gives that line, "If you love me, you'll do....." then it's not love. Now, that's just common sense to me. But apparently, common sense isn't common. So, I'm telling you now if you've never heard it. Love doesn't force itself on others.

All I'm saying is never, under any circumstances, compromise your being for a cheap thrill....whether it's 5 seconds or 5 years. It's not worth it, because you'll have to pay for it later.