So...I am very much overdue to post, but it has been a busy season. Lots has happened - I published a new book, performed both a funeral and a wedding, began planning for a young adult conference.....and so on and so on. But, one of the greatest things that happened is a confirmation or reconfirmation of my primary purpose.
You see, life can be rather difficult if you are just flitting around, moving from one thing that satisfies you to another. If we are honest, we would admit that what we like can rapidly change from one day to the next. Things become passe and as the rest of the world moves on, we sometimes feel compelled to move on with it. Unfortunately, that doesn't work so well if you have decided to join the Jesus crew and live your lives as sons and daughters of God. The responsibility of purpose is ever looming in your life.
As such, each of us has been given spiritual gifts and talents to use for both general and specific purposes. Generally, we are to: 19 ...go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19). But there also are scriptures that speak to more specific purpose as well through gifts and talents placed within us.
Literally, we have been designed to provide support, one to another, as God has deemed needed and necessary to God's purposes. So ultimately, we want to end up hanging out with Jesus more so that we can know and understand what we have been wonderfully created to accomplish.
That might sound like a tall, boring order because let's face it, most of us were not raised in an environment that demonstrated hanging out with Jesus as anything fun. In many instances, we were accosted by a bunch of rules and regulations that either made us obsess way too much about sin, or made us move to the other extreme; "if I can't meet the requirements of being saved, then I may as well have fun. His grace is sufficient." Of course, we never stated it in those words, but that was the end result.
That's probably why when we discuss grace, purpose usually is not part of the conversation, although it should be. For many of us, our primary focus is on redemptive grace; the grace that allows for our sins to be forgiven over and over again by God. We go astray, sin, misstep and God redeems us by extending grace and forgiving us. That's the understanding of grace that most of us are consistently taught and that we often default to.
But that type of attitude about grace is what has lead many Christians down some very dark allies, never to experience the utter joy of fulfilling their God-ordained purpose. It can become a merry-go-round of sorts if we never gain understand the true gravity of grace; its importance, its significance, even its weight in our lives.
Grace is not an end game. It is not merely something that we avail ourselves of time after time, whenever we "slip" or "slide." Grace is a precursor. It maintains us over the long haul so that the Holy Spirit can complete its perfecting work in us, preparing us for both purpose and sanctification.
That is is the grace that empowers us for purpose and ministry through the Holy Spirit. That is the grace that calls for the greater sacrifice, the stronger yes to God. That is the grace that leads us to truly know and operate in our Holy Spirit given gifts and talents.
Change your perspective about grace. Our flesh alone, even under the unction of the redemptive principle of grace, can't not get us to purpose. Purpose is only possible when the union between grace and the Holy Spirit is allowed to occur within us, working cohesively to move us into the perfect will of God for our lives, and our work. Purpose often turns out to be our sweet spot. and most importantly of all, a blessing to both others and yourself.
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
God's ms. anyhow: The good things about life are the successes and t...
God's ms. anyhow: The good things about life are the successes and t...: The good things about life are the successes and the challenges. Nope, I didn't say failures. That's because I'm not sure anymor...
The good things about life are the successes and the challenges. Nope, I didn't say failures. That's because I'm not sure anymore that there is a such thing as a true failure. Yes, we may not achieve something that WE wanted or we may not attain OUR desired outcome, but we can often misinterpret results.
Say you work extremely hard, abandon your social life and become a recluse for a season -- only to invent a particular product you received inspiration to produce. During the very challenging journey to release and produce this "thing" your mind and heart imagine what the end result will yield. They both tell you that the completion of this effort will be monumental. This "thing" is going to be a game changer. It will finally realign your fate, and take you to a place in life that you never imagined. It will bring allow your sacrifices and hard work to finally be recognized.
When you complete the product, your anticipation is at its height. Just at that moment - when it becomes public - there is a pure joy that rushes over you; right before the nervous tension and doubt take over. When those two move in, your mind starts to present questions about the nebulous "they." Will they like it? Will they purchase it? Will they even understand the value of it?
You work yourself up so badly, that you begin to visualize an imminent failure, so when sales don't immediately take off, failure takes up residence in your mind. Yes it sold, but only to one or two individuals. Very few engage you in an enlightening conversation about what made you produce the item. No one really asks what was going through your mind when you created the product, or how difficult was the journey toward completion. No one even thought to ask how you felt when you were creating it, which was really the main thing you had been waiting to share.
What a failure right?
Not necessarily. You believed that this thing was going to be a game changer. You believed that the completion of this effort would prove monumental, that your fate would be realigned, and that you would be taken to a place in life that you never imagined. Finally, you wanted recognition for your work, right?
Now go back with me to the moment when you FIRST completed the work When anticipation was at its height - when that moment of pure joy rushed over you. Yes, right there. Go back to that feeling of total joy about what you were able to accomplish. Revisit that feeling of achievement that you brought to fruition a simple thought that was nagging at your spirit for so long. The joy of working hard, when you didn't have to, in order to producing something that would help others.
That was the moment of victory; of success, but you rushed passed it. That was the moment when all the things that your mind told you would result, indeed did. You squandered it though; moved right on past it to a place where you lost track of what the entire journey was about.
When we produce something two things happen. First, we respond to "something" within us that has taken hold of us and will not let us rest until we produce it. Something so big, so consuming that we can no longer ignore it. It moves past realization to acknowledgement that we are indeed led by an inner spiritual wisdom that CAN guide and direct us, If we yield.
The second thing that happens is the ripple effect. First, reflection sneaks upon us and we start to realize how the journey has impacted, changed, and empowered us. Then, people we don't even know begin to be affected. It may be one, two, 10 or 10,000. We will never know for sure. They are the ones that may not buy the product, but saw your post about your journey to produce it, and became inspired and courageous enough to engage that thing that is sitting in their spirit. Then there are the ones who actually purchase the product. They express their excitement at receiving it. They are ones, usually just a few, who let you know that it is something that they have been needing or wanting forever. They may only buy one or two, but purpose oozes out of their purchases. Finally there are those that purchase the product, but do not speak with you. You see them in the work that goes on publicly, and you notice that it is your product that helped them to complete that task.
So you see, failure only comes when we do not perform a duty or expected action. Every time that we choose to follow the wisdom and gentle nudging of the Holy Spirit within us and do something that is seemingly beyond our comfort and capacity, we succeed. Success abides each time that we are led by God to take a step into unknown, uncharted and sometimes hostile territory, and we do it anyhow.
In the end, we may not know exactly who has been helped or what purpose was served. It may have been something that was needed to be done by us and that only impacts us. Who knows? What we do know is that the sweet spot, the moment of success happens in that brief period upon completion, when joy flows within us like a river, and we hear a soft whisper within our spirit that says, "Job, well done."
Say you work extremely hard, abandon your social life and become a recluse for a season -- only to invent a particular product you received inspiration to produce. During the very challenging journey to release and produce this "thing" your mind and heart imagine what the end result will yield. They both tell you that the completion of this effort will be monumental. This "thing" is going to be a game changer. It will finally realign your fate, and take you to a place in life that you never imagined. It will bring allow your sacrifices and hard work to finally be recognized.
When you complete the product, your anticipation is at its height. Just at that moment - when it becomes public - there is a pure joy that rushes over you; right before the nervous tension and doubt take over. When those two move in, your mind starts to present questions about the nebulous "they." Will they like it? Will they purchase it? Will they even understand the value of it?
You work yourself up so badly, that you begin to visualize an imminent failure, so when sales don't immediately take off, failure takes up residence in your mind. Yes it sold, but only to one or two individuals. Very few engage you in an enlightening conversation about what made you produce the item. No one really asks what was going through your mind when you created the product, or how difficult was the journey toward completion. No one even thought to ask how you felt when you were creating it, which was really the main thing you had been waiting to share.
What a failure right?
Not necessarily. You believed that this thing was going to be a game changer. You believed that the completion of this effort would prove monumental, that your fate would be realigned, and that you would be taken to a place in life that you never imagined. Finally, you wanted recognition for your work, right?
Now go back with me to the moment when you FIRST completed the work When anticipation was at its height - when that moment of pure joy rushed over you. Yes, right there. Go back to that feeling of total joy about what you were able to accomplish. Revisit that feeling of achievement that you brought to fruition a simple thought that was nagging at your spirit for so long. The joy of working hard, when you didn't have to, in order to producing something that would help others.
That was the moment of victory; of success, but you rushed passed it. That was the moment when all the things that your mind told you would result, indeed did. You squandered it though; moved right on past it to a place where you lost track of what the entire journey was about.
When we produce something two things happen. First, we respond to "something" within us that has taken hold of us and will not let us rest until we produce it. Something so big, so consuming that we can no longer ignore it. It moves past realization to acknowledgement that we are indeed led by an inner spiritual wisdom that CAN guide and direct us, If we yield.
The second thing that happens is the ripple effect. First, reflection sneaks upon us and we start to realize how the journey has impacted, changed, and empowered us. Then, people we don't even know begin to be affected. It may be one, two, 10 or 10,000. We will never know for sure. They are the ones that may not buy the product, but saw your post about your journey to produce it, and became inspired and courageous enough to engage that thing that is sitting in their spirit. Then there are the ones who actually purchase the product. They express their excitement at receiving it. They are ones, usually just a few, who let you know that it is something that they have been needing or wanting forever. They may only buy one or two, but purpose oozes out of their purchases. Finally there are those that purchase the product, but do not speak with you. You see them in the work that goes on publicly, and you notice that it is your product that helped them to complete that task.
So you see, failure only comes when we do not perform a duty or expected action. Every time that we choose to follow the wisdom and gentle nudging of the Holy Spirit within us and do something that is seemingly beyond our comfort and capacity, we succeed. Success abides each time that we are led by God to take a step into unknown, uncharted and sometimes hostile territory, and we do it anyhow.
In the end, we may not know exactly who has been helped or what purpose was served. It may have been something that was needed to be done by us and that only impacts us. Who knows? What we do know is that the sweet spot, the moment of success happens in that brief period upon completion, when joy flows within us like a river, and we hear a soft whisper within our spirit that says, "Job, well done."
Monday, June 12, 2017
Interesting,
how timely and relevant these blogs are that I posted years ago are
now. This one is worth re-posting...especially for those who truly
desire fullness in their relationship with God.....and it is an
excellent reminder to me to tighten up my spiritual disciplines.
Okay, so it's been about a month since I last posted. Well to be fair to me, I am in the midst of TRYING to complete my first book and I've set this year as a deadline. So, right now, blogging is kind of taking second place. This book should have been written years ago by both God's request and my desires, but it has seemed like such an insurmountable task for me; even with the writer living inside of me.
Give me something quick and to the point to write, like a column or a blog, and I can knock that out every time. Ideas for these writing formats seem to come easily and before I know it, they have found themselves as words in a completed written work. But a book is different somehow. The book takes more focus. It feels like a stronger, longer term, more serious commitment.
It's kind of like the difference between getting baptized and receiving Christ as your personal savior, and choosing to live a God-filled and God-led life. One requires that you make Christ Lord of your life, and it is usually worked out in a limited manner; being baptized before witnesses, showing up for church on Sundays, supporting the church financially, following the 10 commandments as best you can, and repenting of your sins. Your actions are focused on "making it to Heaven." This is the "comfortable" journey that unfortunately leaves many headed to the grave having allowed little of their light to shine here on Earth, It's like the talents and the man who simply sat on his, hoarded them even, and produced nothing additionally beyond what was invested in him from the beginning. Somewhat of a waste if you ask me. (Matthew 25:14-30)
The other though, is like a book and demands a much longer term commitment. It requires that we go through the difficult journey of allowing and even inviting God to purge us of all of the "junk" that keeps us from being what he intended us to be. It requires research and study about the character of God, consistent prayer, and even meditation, on a daily basis. At this level, we desire to know the unique gifts and talents that were placed in us from birth, and to use them for the work that God has planned for us to do. Yes, there is more pain than the first, more tears than the first and more work than the first, but it also delivers more joy, stronger faith, more peace and ultimately a stronger and more fruitful relationship with our maker. This path positions us to bless all of the people God had planned for us to bless when He made us; ultimately fulfilling our destiny on Earth.
So, when I think of it like that, I should probably count it joyous that God even chose me to write this book. Also, because I am connected to Him, each time I obediently sit down to write, with prayer before I begin, he gives me the words. Basically, all I must do is be obedient and set aside time to allow Him to use me to produce the book. Doesn't sound like such a big job that way.
And that's also the beauty of a life led by God. All of the tough stuff that we face on a daily basis, is much more tough when we face it alone. But, when we hand it over to God immediately and frequently in prayer, he will guide us and direct us. I'm not suggesting the we sit there and do nothing. God does require us to be active participants. I'm simply saying in all things, consult God and he will light your path.
So, will you write the story that God has placed on your heart and in your soul, fulfilling those things that he as asked of you? Or, will you waste your talents and gifts "pew sitting" and "gazing" and wasting opportunities to be in service for God?
Who
hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to
our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given
us in Christ Jesus before the world began, KJV)
Okay, so it's been about a month since I last posted. Well to be fair to me, I am in the midst of TRYING to complete my first book and I've set this year as a deadline. So, right now, blogging is kind of taking second place. This book should have been written years ago by both God's request and my desires, but it has seemed like such an insurmountable task for me; even with the writer living inside of me.
Give me something quick and to the point to write, like a column or a blog, and I can knock that out every time. Ideas for these writing formats seem to come easily and before I know it, they have found themselves as words in a completed written work. But a book is different somehow. The book takes more focus. It feels like a stronger, longer term, more serious commitment.
It's kind of like the difference between getting baptized and receiving Christ as your personal savior, and choosing to live a God-filled and God-led life. One requires that you make Christ Lord of your life, and it is usually worked out in a limited manner; being baptized before witnesses, showing up for church on Sundays, supporting the church financially, following the 10 commandments as best you can, and repenting of your sins. Your actions are focused on "making it to Heaven." This is the "comfortable" journey that unfortunately leaves many headed to the grave having allowed little of their light to shine here on Earth, It's like the talents and the man who simply sat on his, hoarded them even, and produced nothing additionally beyond what was invested in him from the beginning. Somewhat of a waste if you ask me. (Matthew 25:14-30)
The other though, is like a book and demands a much longer term commitment. It requires that we go through the difficult journey of allowing and even inviting God to purge us of all of the "junk" that keeps us from being what he intended us to be. It requires research and study about the character of God, consistent prayer, and even meditation, on a daily basis. At this level, we desire to know the unique gifts and talents that were placed in us from birth, and to use them for the work that God has planned for us to do. Yes, there is more pain than the first, more tears than the first and more work than the first, but it also delivers more joy, stronger faith, more peace and ultimately a stronger and more fruitful relationship with our maker. This path positions us to bless all of the people God had planned for us to bless when He made us; ultimately fulfilling our destiny on Earth.
So, when I think of it like that, I should probably count it joyous that God even chose me to write this book. Also, because I am connected to Him, each time I obediently sit down to write, with prayer before I begin, he gives me the words. Basically, all I must do is be obedient and set aside time to allow Him to use me to produce the book. Doesn't sound like such a big job that way.
And that's also the beauty of a life led by God. All of the tough stuff that we face on a daily basis, is much more tough when we face it alone. But, when we hand it over to God immediately and frequently in prayer, he will guide us and direct us. I'm not suggesting the we sit there and do nothing. God does require us to be active participants. I'm simply saying in all things, consult God and he will light your path.
So, will you write the story that God has placed on your heart and in your soul, fulfilling those things that he as asked of you? Or, will you waste your talents and gifts "pew sitting" and "gazing" and wasting opportunities to be in service for God?
“Each one should use whatever gifts he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
1 Peter 4:10
Commit your work to the LORD, and then your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 16:3
Proverbs 16:3
2Timothy 1:9
The
man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will
be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow
workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
1 Corinthians 3:8-9
1 Corinthians 3:8-9
Saturday, June 10, 2017
What God Can Do
Wow! It has been a long time since I posted. So much to share and tell, but suffice it to say that I am still God's MsAnyhow, doing whatever God says, going wherever He directs and trying really, really hard to be obedient when He is speaking.
That said, with all that has transpired in my life, and indeed all that has transpired in the world, I couldn't wait to share. It's a little overwhelming to know where to start: I helped to launch a church in Ferguson, MO; graduated from seminary with a DMIN degree; created a spiritual gifts and leadership ministry primarily for young adults called Yes to God; established Rose of Sharon Ministries, Inc. a healing focused ministry that helps people get past strongholds and get to purpose; and written three books:
-One that is the result of my doctoral research that deals with young adults and their relationships to God and the church, Where Have All the Young Ones Gone: Connecting and Reconnecting Young Adults to God and the church ( CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/7200282 and Amazon.com);
-Another that is filled with enlightening essays about God and the world written by young adults, "Why Yes to God: Essays on God and Life by Young Adults (CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/4494494 and Amazon.com);
-And a final book and workbook set actually was published first, which examines the effect of "church hurt" or any hurt on our journey as Christians or believers in God, Church Hurt Ain't No Joke (CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/4699662 (workbook,
Nope. We won't do any of that. The only thing we will do is celebrate God and make note of his movement in our lives. I want to talk about how God helps our dirty butts out when he should have kicked us to the curb. Or how he sent the rent money through someone we just said some really nasty stuff about. (And besides we went shopping with the rent money). Or how he cleaned us up and helped us get over the shame and disgust at some of the stuff we did last year, last month or last week.
In this blog I want to celebrate God and I want you to help me do that. Share, share, share with no judgment and no correction and for the purpose of lifting up God.
John 12:32
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto me.(I didn't say you couldn't use scripture just that you didn't have to. Hey, we might all learn something accidentally)
So hit me up and help me magnify. Praise God.
P.S. Oh yeah, a big thanks to and a shout to Pastor Jolinda Wade. Don't forget, when God commands you to do something, get your butt up (well she didn't quite say that), but she did say forget about your feelings, lack, attitude, beliefs, clothes, boyfriend, girlfriend, sister, brother, mother, baby's daddy, baby's momma, employment, unemployment - all of your issues and garbage that keeps you from obeying God and do it ANYHOW.
P.S.S. And another thing. You hear from God. You just don't know it sometimes. So don't go there.
All Love.
That said, with all that has transpired in my life, and indeed all that has transpired in the world, I couldn't wait to share. It's a little overwhelming to know where to start: I helped to launch a church in Ferguson, MO; graduated from seminary with a DMIN degree; created a spiritual gifts and leadership ministry primarily for young adults called Yes to God; established Rose of Sharon Ministries, Inc. a healing focused ministry that helps people get past strongholds and get to purpose; and written three books:
-One that is the result of my doctoral research that deals with young adults and their relationships to God and the church, Where Have All the Young Ones Gone: Connecting and Reconnecting Young Adults to God and the church ( CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/7200282 and Amazon.com);
-Another that is filled with enlightening essays about God and the world written by young adults, "Why Yes to God: Essays on God and Life by Young Adults (CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/4494494 and Amazon.com);
-And a final book and workbook set actually was published first, which examines the effect of "church hurt" or any hurt on our journey as Christians or believers in God, Church Hurt Ain't No Joke (CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/4699662 (workbook,
CreateSpace eStore:
https://www.createspace.com/3650567 (book) or Amazon.com for both).
Also check out these articles, just to see what I have been up to.
Commentary on the Jeff Fisher article
Profiles of Changemakers
I guess I must have really mixed up some spiritual dust back in 2010 when I first posted. :) I had so much going on that I just stopped, but one day the Holy Spirit led me back. I was blown away that all on its own, my blog has accumulated 173 followers and 6 comments! Wow, did I miss out on some potentially rich, encouraging and enlightening feedback.
Well I'm back in the blogging game now with fresh insights and hopefully new ideas to share. But just as I did in the very first blog almost 6 years ago , I will continue to challenge everyone to see God in everyday,
every moment and every second, and to share those sightings with me on this blog.
I still commit not to chastise ANYONE for not knowing the appropriate scriptural
reference. Or call you out because you were at the club drunk last night
and posting about God's goodness today. I promise not to drag your name down
because you were under the anointing on Sunday and under Tyrone, Bobby,
James, Moesha, Pam (or whatever that person's name was) on Monday.
Nope. We won't do any of that. The only thing we will do is celebrate God and make note of his movement in our lives. I want to talk about how God helps our dirty butts out when he should have kicked us to the curb. Or how he sent the rent money through someone we just said some really nasty stuff about. (And besides we went shopping with the rent money). Or how he cleaned us up and helped us get over the shame and disgust at some of the stuff we did last year, last month or last week.
In this blog I want to celebrate God and I want you to help me do that. Share, share, share with no judgment and no correction and for the purpose of lifting up God.
John 12:32
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto me.(I didn't say you couldn't use scripture just that you didn't have to. Hey, we might all learn something accidentally)
So hit me up and help me magnify. Praise God.
P.S. Oh yeah, a big thanks to and a shout to Pastor Jolinda Wade. Don't forget, when God commands you to do something, get your butt up (well she didn't quite say that), but she did say forget about your feelings, lack, attitude, beliefs, clothes, boyfriend, girlfriend, sister, brother, mother, baby's daddy, baby's momma, employment, unemployment - all of your issues and garbage that keeps you from obeying God and do it ANYHOW.
P.S.S. And another thing. You hear from God. You just don't know it sometimes. So don't go there.
All Love.
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