Happy New You!!!

Philippians 3:14, "I press towards the mark for the high prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus."

 Happy New You!! In 2013, it is time for us all to discipline our mindset to prepare us for the new seasons of life. Life will not be easy, but it will become easier this year. Our nation is having to bounce back from holiday tragedies, economic loss, illnesses, a divided government, and whether our children will be safe in their classrooms. No matter what we will have to endure, let us find hope and strength in knowing that God is in control and has everything under control. The Scripture clearly tells us that if we desire to go forward we have to look toward! We won't ever get to where we need to be without praying and pressing our way through the good times and bad timings. The harder we press, the higher we go in God and the calling He has entrusted us with. You have it in you to have an amazing year:) Always remember, NO PRESSING-NO BLESSING! Be blessed and forever encouraged in the New Year as a New You!

MARY Christmas

Luke 1:45, "Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things, which were told her from the Lord."

As we celebrate the birth of our Risen Lord and Savior, let's be mindful of the woman who endured pain, isolation, and desolation to bring forth the Son of God who would go on to die so that we may have life and live more abundantly. No matter where you stand or sit, know that God is moving on your behalf in every season of your life. Things may not be well, but all things will work together for your good! The same Jesus who abode within Mary, abides withing you and me. The scripture tells us that Mary was BLESSED because she BELIEVED. If you believe, you will be blessed beyond what your eyes may see and your heart can perceive. No matter what load you are carrying, understand that God will addeth no sorrow and there will be a fulfillment of those things which He told you. God isn't like man, He doesn't speak just to hear Himself talk:) See your way through and believe your way into your blessing. MARY Christmas to all!

"Tis the Season"

Ecclesiastes 3:1, "To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven."

Happy Holidays!! 2012 has been an exciting year of growth and exposure and with any good thing there will come a few bad. We have to be ever so careful to give God all the glory for the good as well as the bad. As you go and growth forth in the holiday season, always remember the REASON for the SEASON. We often get caught up in the SEASON and forget our SAVIOR. Jesus was born so that we may have life and life more abundantly. It's always the right time to do the right thing and in this Season of Giving, let's focus on being a blessing to others and less on receiving blessings from others. God gave us HIS ONLY begotten Son and as long as we have breath in our bodies, we have to abide in the spirit of sacrifice. To much that is given, much is required- we should all strive to make our requirements. Have a blessed Christmas season and continue to look to the hills from where your true help comes from! Greater is coming!!!

"Thinking and Thanking God"

Matthew 25:23, "His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord."

Happy Harvest Month!! It's time we all THINK and THANK God for all the valleys, storms and hardships He has brought us to and through:) 2012 has been the YEAR of ELECTION not just in the White House, but also in OUR HOUSE. We have to continue our personal campaigns and do so in a way that is pleasing to God and our families. There has been much destruction over the land, but God is good and God is God. We have so much to be thankful for and we should take every opportunity to thank God for keeping us safe, healthy and in our right mind. Some people would love to have somewhere to lay their head and others would give the world to be able to simply stand up and move their legs. My grandmother says, "We will understand it better by and by" and I believe it is safe to say that the "by and by" is here and we have to be ever so careful of treating folks right and being good stewards. November is the Month of Thanksgiving and most of us spend that special day declaring how thankful we are for what we have, but wake up the following morning to spend money and fight people over items we truly don't need. 12 is a very special number, it is the order of government and the number Jesus had in mind when He chose his disciples and the number of completion for the woman with the issue of blood. 2012 is shortly coming to an end and it's not too late to work on being the NEW YOU that you said you would be this NEW YEAR:) Above all, be faithful and respectful over what you have and in due season God will make you in authority over things you want:)

"Fall Into Favor"

As we enter into the Harvest Season, let's take time to reflect on the goodness of our God and
the seasons we have endured patiently while waiting for our blessings. September is the month of transition that leads to our last trimester of the year.  Fall is the season where
we look forward to adjusting the climatic atmosphere in our homes and a time where we enjoy

the beautiful landscapes of nature, walks in the park, and enjoy the sweet smell of cinnamon, apples, and pumpkin. I encourage you to spiritually shift your atmosphere by examining the friendships, relationships, your marriage, career, family life, etc...to discern what God would have you to do or not do in each capacity. What I love about Fall is how nature QUIETLY rids itself of things that are not necessary for it to survive, such as leaves and the dying of grass.  Jesus made it very clear to His Disciples that there is plenty of GOODIES for them to receive, but a conscious effort had to be made to receive His GOODNESS. As with anything in life, we receive the fruits of the seeds we have planted whether they be good or bad. Let's walk forth in the Spirit of Excellency as Jesus commands and pray that we are able to partake in the Fullness of God and the overflowing of our cups:) Always remember, God is always near to CATCH you in your FALL seasons:)

Collards and Cornbread

Acts 2:46, "Everyday they continued to meet together in the temple and courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts."

Traditions are the hallmark of every family and we have to be ever so careful of ensuring that we pass them down in a healthy manner to our children and families. Tradition is a deep southern way of life and we have to be mindful of recognizing that all traditions aren't healthy and should be aborted if they don't bring peace and joy to the recipients involved. My family has a tradition of eating collards and cornbread and although I haven't MASTERED the art of cooking collards, I understand the CONCEPT! In today's society, the passing along of recipes, books, Sunday worship, having fellowship, and Bible Study are becoming ENDANGERED JOYS and the value of these traditions aren't seen as invaluable as they were to our grandparent's generation. We live in a microwave society where if things don't happen quickly, we don't want them. The beauty in tradition is that they are developed over time and with love. I encourage young couples with young families to meditate on some of the traditions you desire to pass along to your children and start creating ones of your own. They don't have to be all "deep and spiritual," it can be as simple as taking a nap after church or going to the park to walk on a designated day of the week. I look forward to my afternoon chats with my husband about my goals and dreams while we eat ice-cream:) Always remember, fellowship is good for the soul and it's not about the activity that matters, it's about coming together in a good place with a glad heart. Be blessed and encouraged:)

"To Have And to Hold"

August is the month of new beginnings and this month will mark my 7th year wedding anniversary on August 15th and my husband's birthday on August 16th. I treasure each day, moment, and season with the love of my life because I realize in this society, marriages are microwavable and aren't taken as sacred nor serious as former generations considered them. I reflect on the vows I made to my husband at the tender age of 20 daily, however during the month of celebration I carefully examine them and determine where I stand in fulfilling our agreement. This year as I read over the vows, "To Have And To Hold" struck a cord in my heart. Many desire to HAVE a spouse, but to HOLD on to one is work that most are unwilling to fulfill. As I reflect on the times we have endured as best-friends, lovers, and parents, it amazes me how we have grown over the years and the strength we have allowed each other to gather in the times of storms. I treasure my marriage and it has truly sharpened me into the woman I am today. To those who are waiting on God to send your other half, I encourage you to become the better half that you seek.  Always remember, Love is a beautiful feeling when it is first felt towards the person that desires to be the recipient of it.