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.

The Unknown

Sooooo it's been a couple of weeks. My apologies on my hiatus.

A couple of weeks ago God lead me to write on my Facebook status, "If you never do anything that makes you nervous then you aren't pushing yourself to grow" or something along those lines. Most of my Facebook statuses are things that I've heard from God that I'm lead to share and I thought that would be encouraging to others.

I was looking through my journal and noticed something I had forgotten all about. This time last year I was accidentally writing 2012 instead of 2011. I remember journaling about it because it was odd to me. Who accidentally writes the NEXT year. I've made mistakes of writing the previous year around Jan/Feb when I'm still in the habit of the old year. But never have I written the NEXT year especially in like April/May. It was weird lol

But in my journal I wrote how I was lead to pray about this year. 2012, 2012, 2012. I had so much expectancy of this year around this time last year! God then revealed to me that this would be my year of experiencing the unknown. What???? What does that mean? I had no clue but I wrote in my journal, JUST BE OBEDIENT. Ok cool. I can do that!

One thing I know for sure is I put myself through so many unnecessary trials because I chose to be disobedient to God. I vowed no matter what, I would do WHATEVER He told me to do. I went to a young adult small group last night and it was amazing! One of the girls was talking about how God would tell her the most off the wall random stuff that didn't make sense but she would just do it. He would wake her up in the middle of the night just to clean her room.

She confirmed so much that she doesn't even know. God has given me a wide variety of instructions this year, even to the point of not being able to sleep until I do it. And I'm talking small stuff like "Take the long way tomorrow." Um..ok. To the big stuff like "Time to transition." But God revealed to me, that big or small it's all been a test of my obedience. Once He can trust you to be obedient to the smaller things, He knows you'll listen to the bigger things. Praise God.

I realized God works in steps. Just like following a gps. Good luck trying to find a place after you've skipped a couple directions. Every turn you  make intersects with the next turn. Some people are lost because they missed a turn. Or were disobedient because they thought they knew a quicker way. But they didn't see the road blocks, traffic jams, etc that God strategically led them around. I don't want to be delayed AT ALL. I have an assignment at one o'clock and I want to get there on time lol And the thing I LOVE about going step by step with God when it doesn't make sense is that it forces you to rely on Him fully. I'm constantly going back to Him checking in like "Ok God where to next?" Because I don't know the way at all. That's the way He wants it. And although it's uncomfortable to me, "me and God are doing this thang mane" (In my country slang)

So I'm going towards the unknown which makes me nervous but like the quote, it means I'm growing. I went to a service this past Sunday night and the pastor was ministering on the supernatural. He was saying that everyone who is filled with the holy spirit can experience the same healing and delivering power that Jesus experienced. He told everyone that was in need of healing to raise their hand and everyone who didn't should go lay their hands on a person near them. I was ready to sit down and just pray since I wasn't a member there and didn't want to be out of order but before my backside hit the sit, I felt a kick like "You better go over there and lay your hand on that lady's back!" Um ok..lol

I put my hand on her shoulder and one on her mid back. Everyone in the sanctuary was praying in the Spirit. Next thing I know this lady started twisting and bending to touch her toes, lifting her hands in the air, pretty much doing aerobics. Praise God! I thought that was amazing. And a faith booster in my eyes like wow God really will use ANYONE who is willing. And He is so BIG. The favor of God is on His entire Kingdom. He is no respecter of persons. (Romans 2:11) He is everywhere and doing miraculous things in all believers' lives.  I love experiencing His vastness. It's so exciting driving to an unknown place with God while He guides me turn by turn, uncomfortable but exciting. True peace, joy, and growth can only come from being obedient to the Father especially when it doesn't make sense. Our human minds can't comprehend the supernatural anyway. Praise God!

"I come to the garden alone  

While the dew is still on roses  

And the voice I hear falling  

On my ear the son of God discloses

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known."

The Draino Effect

It seems like every few months my shower drain just gets clogged. Most likely, from when I wash my hair. Although, I'd thought I had been doing a good job of removing the hair from the shower and disposing of it in the trash or toilet. Nevertheless, I was taking a shower a couple days ago and noticed that I was standing in a growing puddle of water. I immediately knew what the problem was; it just happens so often to me.

I thought I was gonna have to make a trip to the store to get that trusty Draino, but I found an unopened container in my bathroom cabinet. Thanks Daddy! lol...I guess he was tired of me calling on him whenever this issue arose.

So I finally did that this morning. Yes, I'd been showering with a flood at my feet for a couple days smh lol...But I took matters into my own hands! We don't need no plumbers! lol

Wisdom is the Principle Thing

Wisdom is the principle thing. Therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)


Wisdom is the power of right judgement and discernment--the ability to choose the correct solution for any situation.

I had the honor of going to a women's conference last weekend, and the theme was entitled "Wisdom Is The Principle Thing." At one part of the conference, there was a panel discussion in which a group of older ladies actually shared nuggets of wisdom they had learned over the years. I think the oldest of the ladies was in her late 80's. I truly enjoyed hearing all that was shared. I've always loved hearing what older people have to say in general about life. I mean, they've been there and done that. They know things that the younger generations don't know, so we need to glean from them as much as possible while they're still living.

The ladies touched on living the single lifestyle, among other various topics. It was agreed that each day needed to start with prayer and devotion. No excuses! If you have to wake up 30 minutes earlier to get it in, then do what you have to do. Prayer can take place all throughout the day, but it should at least be at the start of the day so things will run smoothly and you will be more aware.

One of the ladies admonished the singles to take advantage of their singleness. (PROJECT WIFEY!!!) It's not a curse. There is a freedom that you won't have once you're married to do things. (And of course, she wasn't referring to sexual or impure things.) You're just able to be about God's business and have Him at the center of your world. When you're married, you don't necessarily put God on the back burner; you just have domesticated, and maybe motherly duties, to attend to as well. However, when one does get married, you will be required to share your freedom. Meaning....you gotta cut off all selfish tendencies! Or else...the lovely union you envision will be harder than it already is.

Proverbs 3:5-6 was mentioned quite a few times, and it definitely rings true in my own life. Someone then closed with, "Ask God for understanding in all things. Wait on the Lord. It will come to pass."

If you have older folks in your life, spend time with them! They have important words to pass down to you! You could also volunteer your time in a nursing home. Yes, some old people can be crabby to the 10th power; however, I think they all just need love and company.

Remember that wisdom is one of the most important things you could ask for. Having all the money in the world won't teach you how to handle that money. Wisdom + Understanding = GREAT LIFE.

Gardening 2012

In case you didn't know, I'm very old school. I love all that classic soul music that came out wayyyy before my time (i.e. Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, ETC.) as well as the 90's music. I don't know why I like what I like, but I do. That's not what I wanted to talk about though. Don't get me started on all that old school stuff; I spent an entire semester in my Public Speaking class going on and on about it. Good stuff! 

My grandma says I have an old soul. I'm very different from my generation. My new spring/summer hobby that I acquired last year is GARDENING! I'm not a professional with an exquisite green thumb. I just like the simplicity of putting a seed in the ground, watering it, and watching it produce and maximize into actual food that you can eat! It's amazing to me.

I've heard a lot of talk this year from people starting gardens. My uncle and older cousin have each started gardens this year as well. So, there's 3 gardens within walking distance on my street. We gon' be eatin' good this summer! Cookouts/fish frys and family = priceless moments.

Here's a tip: If you're planting vegetables, plant stuff that you actually eat on a regular basis.

Sounds simple enough, right? But I thought it'd be cool to plant squash last year, even though I'd never eaten squash a day in my life. So there's a bag of squash that's just been chillin' in the freezer for a year, because I don't know what to do with it. I'm not sure if it's still edible or not. I should probably check on that.

This year, if nothing else but collard greens comes out the ground, I will be HAPPY! That is my favorite vegetable hands down; I could literally eat that everyday. My dad and I also put down cucumbers, corn, green peppers, and tomatoes.

If you have the space in your yard, give it a try. Whether you're interested in fruits, veggies, flowers, or plants, there's something for everyone!