Sale is on sale

I know, I know. The last thing you want to hear is “don’t spend money” when every store in town is having a sale on their sale. Yes, they are half off and if you buy three the fourth one is free! AHHHHHH. Advice: drop the sweaters or whatever and run for the door. Especially if the items were for you and not anyone on your gift list! Ask yourself three questions if the item is for someone else… 1) who is this for? 2) why is it for them? 3) am I spending an appropriate amount? If the item is for you ask these three questions… 1) do I NEED this? 2) Is it a ridiculously low price? 3) can I live without it? After this you should feel convicted enough to walk to the door empty-handed and go home, make pancakes for dinner and do a craft or read a book on finances - lol. Merry Christmas to you! You just saved a ton.

Finances (part 2)

When you hear something like “get your finances in order” and then several confirmations of just that one thing but nothing else, no other words, your mind begins to wonder, as mine has been. I wonder, get finances in order because… there’s a tornado/tsunami coming like in my dream last summer (blog on July 12, 2009) or is it because there are some things He wants us to be able to take advantage of, some financial firsts that will be available next year? I stopped myself because I don’t want to say what people want to hear. I want to say what God says. Lord your guidance, mercy and grace is ever so needed.

Finances

Get your finances in order.  That's all I have right now.  I just keep hearing get your "finances" in order.

Prep for Goodbye 2009

Two weeks ago I started preparing to say goodbye to 2009! I stopped myself as I realized I was complaining. Key: How do you stop complaining? Find the good in the issue. I began to remember all the great things God did this past year and found myself in a praise. Yes, 2009 was a year of trials, tests, fiery darts, and losses but at the same time in all this you can see how God was always there. He was carrying you through. He gave you opportunities to regain yourself. When something was taken He gave you something else. He’s rearranging and preparing things for His purposes. He’s giving people a new priority list. I heard God saying 2010 would be a year of revelation and manifestation. Seems like 2010 has already started, as last night my husband received a manifestation followed by a revelation. That prompted this blog coming to you to bring hope if you are still pushing through the devastation of 2009. It was something he knew in his heart but hadn’t manifested until last night. So yes, we say goodbye 2009 but with a praise because we have a knowing of what God has done and a glimpse of what He will be doing.

Vision (part 2)

There will be obstacles. At times so severe you will not only question your vision but your very existence. Whenever a new frontier is to be conquered you will have things that come against you. Know this… God did not raise you up to fail. He did not give you a vision He was not going to stand behind. You need to refer back to the notes you wrote when first planning the vision. Read when God confirmed it to you. Proclaim it. Put yourself in remembrance of God and His greatness and how many awesome things He's done. Begin to thank Him for the vision coming to pass. Remain in an attitude of thankfulness, joy and praise. This will help you press on past the obstacles.

Vision (part 1)

Regarding VISION… what is it that you desire to do? What is it that if you don’t get to do this in your lifetime you will feel like you died or are unsuccessful? What is your passion? What brings you the greatest joy and lines up with His word? What brings you the knowing you pleased God? THIS is the vision that you are to fulfill. Start praying for confirmation from God. When you get confirmation of this, write down what God told you. Then write down what your vision looks like, draw in pictures. Every day begin at least one process of bringing the vision to pass.

He will do it

A downside to being a “planner” is we are always looking toward the next thing. Wanting to see or plan the path forward. What’s next? What do we do after this? God doesn’t usually show you exactly where you are going and that can be challenging. You know you’re destination but you don’t see the road or the vehicle taking you there. The word lately has been… enjoy the now, enjoy today. Also, He has said that He will do it. Do what? Whatever needs to be done for your destiny to be fulfilled. He will open the doors. Our part: remain obedient, stay in the word, be prayed up, fast regularly, be ready and always joyful. We have the easy part! Would you want to manage every single good and evil person in the world, every prayer, every angel, every cloud, star, ocean, wave, animal, etc, etc?

This will NOT take you out

I have had a health struggle lately. It’s pretty intense. I have been practicing what our Pastor says about speaking faith words over my situation. I pray over myself for healing and speak no weapon formed against me shall prosper. One night a great song came on and a dance came over me. I was moving about the room and I heard God clearly say, “This will NOT take you out!” I began to weep while still dancing and praising Him. He is so awesome to give a word when we are in need. New level, new devil, new anointing! Rejoice through the trials and tests, again I say rejoice.

How do we walk in love

Try to always keep a smile on your face. Be positive in every encounter. If they don’t reciprocate continue in this kind manner – no matter what. Our attitude and how we even perceive ourselves is also key. Know that you are a child of God and He commands us to love one another. Make it a habit to think good thoughts of everyone. Prejudice can enter for several reasons… if you have too much money or not enough money, or look different, or skin color, our car, the way we dress, our hair color (I have been treated poorly by other ladies because I wasn’t blonde and didn’t fit in their “Christian” group. How sad.) I think the lesson learned is this… no matter who does what to you we have to be kind back. Then make a mental note that those people are not your friends. Love them from a distance if need be. God created you fearfully and wonderfully. Be comfortable with your individuality.

The Salesman

I’ll never forget the first time we visited my husband’s favorite clothing store in Oakland. No one wanted to wait on us. We were the minority and the workers made it very clear we were not welcome. How sad as I learned later most of these people are Christians. Anyway, one older man did finally speak to us and was helping my husband with a hat. He and I got into a rather heated discussion. He was talking about how his people are discriminated against and how hard it is. I explained to him that this type of thing happens to everyone. He stopped, stared at me like I was nuts, then dismissed my comments thinking I misunderstood him. He continued with his stories and I said again, I deal with discrimination all the time, have for years. Even in the church! And, when we visit any churches back east we have to deal with this type of treatment. Its ugly and it hurts so bad on my insides. He was in utter amazement at my statements. Then I asked him, “Why are you angry with me? Have I treated you badly? No. Is it because of slavery? Were you there? No. Was I there? No. So why are you mad at me when I did nothing to you?” Believe it or not by the time my husband's shopping spree was over this man and I were friends, laughing and talking the rest of the time. It was truly amazing. For the record, I believe slavery came to be by the Europeans who purchase people, then sold them to the American’s who then set them free. Let’s get past this and love one another as God commanded so we can receive His blessings and be in line with His Word. Prejudice CAN keep you from God’s blessings. We HAVE TO walk in love. Can we love one another?